News and Music Discovery
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

River County Economic Development Seeks Input on Name, Committees

via River County Economic Development Project

A multi-county effort in far western Kentucky seeking to tap into an economic boost from the newly expanded Panama Canal is seeking public input on a name. 

The River County Economic Development Project is a coordinated effort by judge executives from Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman and Fulton Counties. The collaboration is facilitating public and private partnerships to revitalize the local economy by tapping into an anticipated long-term increase in Mississippi River traffic.

The public has until September 1st to decide between four acronyms: WAVE, FORCE, SPARC and BOOM.

  • WAVE - West Kentucky Alliance for a Vibrant Economy
  • FORCE - Forging Our River County Excellence
  • SPARC - Strategic Progress Alliance for the River Counties
  • BOOM - Building Opportunity by the Ohio and Mississippi

Residents can also join a number of committees: Port Authority, Agricultural Technology, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Regional Asset and Infrastructure Development, Education and Workforce Development and Tourism.
Take the Survey Here

A meeting on September 8 from Noon to 1:30 at the Carlisle County Courthouse will unveil the chosen name.

A two-day “Confluence” event laying out plans for the project is scheduled for October 24 and 25 at Columbus-Belmont State Park.

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
Related Content