The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced a more than $4.7 million investment in Kentucky communities. The funds are allocated for projects aimed to improve public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, broadband services, healthcare access, and job training to support economic development.
According to a release issued by the DRA, funding for these projects is provided by the States' Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) and the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF). SEDAP provides direct investment into community-based and regional projects to support basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, workforce training and education, and small businesses development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. CIF targets physical infrastructure projects that help build safer, more resilient communities in the Delta region.
The Fulton County Industrial Development Authority is set to receive $761,500. The funds are allocated to improve surface and transportation infrastructure at the industrial park. The investment is projected to affect 1,809 families.
The Madisonville Regional Airport is set to receive more than $509,000 dollars in funding from the Delta Regional Authority. The funds are allocated to offset construction costs of a 22,000 square-foot hangar. The new hangar will accommodate an aviation training program through the Madisonville Community College. The investment is projected to create 30 new jobs, retain three jobs and train 90 individuals.
The City of Henderson is set to receive $509,000 dollars in funding from the Delta Regional Authority. The funds are allocated to replace the existing steel clearwell with a new pressed concrete clearwell at the South Water Treatment Plant to improve services to businesses and residents. The investment is projected to affect 614 families.
Henderson County Fiscal and Hopkins County Fiscal Court will use allocated funds to improve broadband communication for its residents and businesses. Henderson County is set to receive $339,320 to upgrade three broadband communication stations. Hopkins County is set to receive $155,500 to help offset the cost of creating five additional broadband communication sites.
Trigg County Hospital in Cadiz is set to receive $105,000 to offset the cost of renovating its medical facility including additional patient rooms and staff facilities. The investment is projected to retain five jobs.
Sprocket Digital Workforce Training & Employment Initiative in Paducah is set to receive $170,650 to offset the cost of providing hands-on software engineering training to expand the digital workforce and economy in western Kentucky. The investment is projected to create 21 new jobs, retain 21 jobs, and train 120 individuals.
The DRA reports the investment will be matched by $3.8 million and will attract an additional $8 million in leveraged private investment (LPI) into Kentucky. DRA coordinates directly with the Office of the Governor for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and three local development districts in the Commonwealth for program funding implementation.
“The Delta Regional Authority’s $4.7 million investment into 11 critical projects will strengthen economic success in Western Kentucky by improving vital infrastructure and creating opportunities to foster workforce development,” said DRA Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell. “These investments highlight the importance of local and regional public-private partnerships in realizing the long-term success of infrastructure, business, and workforce projects to spur job growth and ultimately improve business competitiveness in the region. I would like to thank Governor Beshear, Senate Majority Leader McConnell, Senator Paul, and Congressman Comer for their continued support and commitment to the Delta Regional Authority and our work to create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of those residing in our region.”
