Press Release
Commerce Department Grants to Expand Kentucky Aviation and Tourism Industries
April 6, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced $862,000 in grants in the State of Kentucky to boost competitiveness and create jobs.
"Economic recovery and growth are top priorities for the Obama Administration," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John R. Fernandez. "These EDA grants will boost Kentucky's competitiveness and create jobs by supporting economic development projects that will help grow aviation-related businesses, mitigate the economic impact of natural disasters and spur tourism."
The investments include:
- $450,000 to the Henderson City-County Airport Board, the city of Henderson and Henderson County Fiscal Court to build an aircraft hanger that will support business expansion plans and serve the region's future business needs. The project is expected to create 55 jobs and generate $1.2 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
"The new hanger will allow two companies to expand their operations, invest over a million dollars and hire more than 50 highly skilled workers to support economic growth in Henderson County," said Scott Miller, Chairman, Henderson City-County Airport.
- $400,000 to the Department for Local Government of Frankfort to support long-term economic redevelopment and mitigation strategies in Kentucky following four federally declared disasters in 2008.
"Kentucky has been recognized by FEMA as one of the best proponents of hazard mitigation activities in the nation. This project will promote a culture of hazard mitigation and devise strategies to address economic development challenges across the Commonwealth," said Tony Wilder, Commissioner of the Department for Local Government.
- $12,000 to the Big Sandy Area Development District of Prestonsburg to develop a tourism opportunities study.
"This study will provide a tool to help the community create an environment that is conducive to supporting an influx of tourists and tourism related job growth," said Sandy Runyon, Executive Director of Big Sandy Area Development District.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov): This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.