FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 15, 2020) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced a $1.5 million Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Pilot program grant for site work linked to the construction of a 65,000-square-foot building project in the EastPark Industrial Park in Greenup and Boyd counties. The Governor announced the project Tuesday evening during the Ashland Alliance annual meeting that he attended virtually.
When completed, this project will allow Northeast Kentucky Industrial Development Authority Inc. (EastPark) to compete for tenants that could bring new jobs to the region, drawing workers from Boyd, Greenup, Carter, Elliott and Lawrence counties.
“This is another huge step forward for Northeast Kentucky, EastPark and Ashland Alliance,” said Gov. Beshear said. “This AML grant is another solid building block for job creation and a healthier future for this area as we emerge from this pandemic and create a better commonwealth for all Kentuckians.”
Congressman Rogers, along with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, has championed $540 million in federal funding for the AML Pilot program since 2016, of which $130 million has been awarded to Kentucky.
“We have an opportunity to shape the future of our region today and through this pilot grant, we are preparing the EastPark Industrial Park for more jobs and new industry. We have the best workforce in the country and this location will allow the next business to have a prime operating location just off I-64,” said Congressman Rogers. “It is an honor to work with Gov. Beshear and Secretary Goodman to ensure this pilot grant program continues to impact as many communities as possible.”
Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman selected the projects for initial vetting by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). More than 70 applications for funding in 2020 AML Pilot year were received by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s (EEC) Division of Abandoned Mine Lands.
“This grant is exactly what the AML Pilot program was intended to do – assist local entities to compete and win in job creation,” Secretary Goodman said. “We are excited to have helped make this project happen.”
The EastPark site is one of 16 Build-Ready certified sites available statewide. Team Kentucky knows that speed to market is critical for many industries. Kentucky’s Build-Ready program allows companies looking to expedite their location process to select Kentucky and begin construction immediately.
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