CORBIN, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced nearly $26 million to help support education, tourism and economic development in Kentucky’s Appalachian region. The funding was announced at the annual SOAR conference in Corbin.

Fifteen recipients in 11 counties are receiving a combined $25.95 million as part of the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program. When completed, the projects are expected to retain or create more than 3,500 jobs and train up to 1,200 Kentuckians annually.

“Eastern Kentucky has a bright future and investments like the ones we announced today are going to ensure that’s true for generations to come,” Beshear said. “Team Kentucky is laser focused on providing opportunity for our workforce, building resilient communities, and delivering state-of-the-art services to our families, while we continue to do the work that’s fueling our red-hot economy.”

“These grants are investing in strong projects that will support economic growth and stability in our coal communities,” Rogers said. “We are fast-tracking projects that will create new jobs and improve tourism, health care, education, emergency services and infrastructure in southern and eastern Kentucky. Our best days are ahead of us and these projects ensure that we are on the right path for innovation and revitalization.”

Projects selected for funding include:

• The Paintsville Independent Schools STEAM Program was selected to receive $2.64 million and will support a skilled labor force within the community through education and training. The project will offer programs in applied health sciences, marketing and entrepreneurship, computer programming, culinary arts, and media and sound production. The funding will support general construction, electrical and HVAC installation, and architectural renovations. The STEM program expects to train 400 students yearly.
• The Magoffin Pediatric Expansion at Big Sandy Health Care was selected to receive $1.3 million for the redesign of the second floor, adding five exam rooms and two provider offices, and expanding the waiting room and common spaces. The construction project will create three jobs and will increase patient care by 1,000 by the second year of operation.
• The city of Whitesburg’s Wastewater Treatment Plant has been selected to receive $2 million for facility upgrades that will restore and enhance services for the city.  Funds will be used to replace essential infrastructure and technology. The project will serve 969 households and 156 businesses.
• The Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation Autism Clinic in Letcher County was selected to receive $1.5 million to establish an autism clinic to support families with children in need of screening, evaluation and treatment. AMLER funding will support the administration, engineering, and construction of the project, which will create 30 jobs and serve over 500 children annually.
• The Aviation STEM Career Training Initiative in Greenup County was selected to receive $1.02 million to establish an Aviation STEM training program for high school students in Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties. The program will provide FAA-certified flight instruction. AMLER funding will be used to purchase fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft and flight simulators; provide classroom improvements, curriculum materials, aircraft insurance, maintenance and outreach; and hire personnel. The project anticipates graduating 15 students per year with FAA certification.
• The City of Ashland Conference Center, a planned 30,000 square-foot facility in Boyd County, was selected to receive $2 million for technology infrastructure, furnishings and parking. The center is expected to create 191 new jobs within five years of completion and a $500,000 increase in tourism revenue.
• An Environmental Resiliency, Water Quality and Tank Rehabilitation Project in Cannonsburg was selected to receive $1.5 million to strengthen the resiliency of the city’s water system. AMLER funding will be used to install natural gas and diesel generators, and mixing systems at the storage facilities, and to repair storage tanks. The project will improve water quality through the reduction of contaminants in the system, improve service and responsiveness during disasters, and extend the life of the storage facilities.
• The Hilltop Park Pavilion in the city of Hyden was selected to receive $300,000 to construct a pavilion and splash pad for the community. When completed, the pavilion is expected to increase visitors by 200-300 yearly.
• The Lake Point Sewer Extension Project in the city of Jackson was selected to receive $1.58 million to install 4,500 linear feet of sewer lines to connect to an unserved area along Panbowl Road. The project will provide sewer service to 15 new customers and allow for future development opportunities.
• The Lynch Motorsports Welcome Center in Harlan County was selected to receive $260,000 for Phase II of the project. A 2020 AMLER grant renovated the Lynch Motorsports Visitors Center. Backroads of Appalachia plans to use the 2025 funding to resurface the parking area and install safety features, a welcome center sign and the immensely popular signature board, which is signed by thousands of visitors annually. The center is expected to welcome 40,000 visitors yearly.
• The Nursing Live and Learn Dormitory at Union Commonwealth University in Knox County was selected to receive $780,000 to help renovate the residential live and learn space for nursing students. The project will create five jobs, and the dormitory will house 125 nursing program students within three years.
• The Pathways Autism Center in Carter County was selected to receive $4.04 million for the construction of a 13,000 square foot autism center. The center will create 50 new jobs and expect to serve 250 clients within the first year.
• The Rousseau Volunteer Fire Department’s Tower and Repeater Project was selected to receive $380,000 to implement a modernized mobile radio communications system and construct a 150G tower. The investment will improve critical infrastructure to support community resilience, improve coordination and enhance safety for nearly 1,200 citizens within the Rouseau community.
• Saint Joseph Health System in London was selected to receive $650,000 to purchase a CT Scanner to improve cancer, cardio, neurological, and trauma care in the region.
• The Somerset Community College Career and Technical Education Training Complex has been selected to receive $6 million to develop a career and technical facility supporting workforce training programs like construction, HVAC, welding, automotive and diesel technology, electrical technology, and industrial maintenance. AMLER funds will be used for equipment purchases and classroom furnishings. As a result, the college anticipates a 20% increase in student enrollment and credentials earned within three years of completion.

Information about the AMLER program can be found on the Energy and Environment Cabinet website.