OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — Coal mining communities in western Kentucky could soon receive economic support as a program designed to help counties replace lost revenue moves into the region.
“We are excited to see that western Kentucky coal fields are now eligible and that projects may be selected out here,” said AMLER Project Supervisor Ian Rison.
Judges and executives from several western Kentucky counties recently met with leaders from the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization program. The government initiative has been in place for 10 years and has helped eastern Kentucky coal communities recover financially after mine closures.
“We try to basically infuse money into devastated coal communities that didn’t have those jobs that they used to have,” Rison said.
This marks the first year AMLER has made funding available to counties in western Kentucky. Over the years, the program has supported projects in health care, infrastructure, tourism, and other industries.
Rison said the primary goal is to help mining families find employment while creating long-term job opportunities for future generations.
“There is an economic revitalization with this money; instead of just giving a community money, what we are trying to do is pick the best ideas that will continue on after the funding is exhausted,” Rison said.
The program received $25 million in funding for this fiscal year, and AMLER officials said each project typically receives about $2 million. The application process has already drawn strong interest from members of the district development board.
“Where we would diversify is to try to increase our tourism and our road infrastructure,” said McLean County Judge Executive Curtis Dame. “We are going to try to use that to solve more complex problems, and this is just one more tool in the toolbox.”
AMLER officials said they have already received more than 80 applications this year. The deadline to submit applications is May 11.
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