FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear has announced that $40 million has been awarded to (SOAR) Shaping Our Appalachian Region to connect Eastern Kentucky residents to resources and training for good jobs.
The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).
“This investment will ease barriers to employment and support the hardworking people of Eastern Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is a region that deserves our country’s thanks and investment. The people of Eastern Kentucky mined the coal that powered our country through two world wars and helped build the strongest middle class the world has ever seen."
SOAR’s plan will advance local industries, small business support and job placement for people in recovery, former coal miners and others across 12 counties including Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin and Pike counties. The plan will grow employment in remote jobs and expand pathways into higher-paying careers, especially in the health care, energy and technology sectors.
