By Chris Taylor
Paducah, KY – The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $680,000 to enhance planning and development in Fulton and Hickman counties, as well as Tennessee's Obion, Weakley and Lake Counties. Fulton Judge-Executives David Gallagher calls the announcement's timing a surprise. The funding comes after county leaders worked with the University of Kentucky's Research Foundation for Sustainability to apply for the grant earlier this year. Gallagher tells the Paducah Sun the future addition of Interstate 69, the Mississippi River and main-line railroads tie the five counties together and will play a heavy role in development.