Governor Andy Beshear announced Thursday afternoon the City of Earlington will receive federal funding for water system improvements that will provide reliable service and support the expansion of a retail automotive business.
The expansion is expected to create 20 new jobs and boost the economy in western Kentucky.
The City of Earlington, located in Hopkins County, will receive $610,000 from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) with a $390,000 local match for the water system upgrades.
Earlington Mayor Phillip Hunt says these improvements will ensure the City has the capacity to provide water and sanitation to any company looking to expand or relocate to their region. He added the grant will create new jobs and additional revenue for the city, which will stimulate the local economy and help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beshear’s administration says the Earlington water system improvements project is funded under the Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) initiative, which EDA funds on a competitive basis to assist communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal. The ACC projects support economic diversification, job creation, capital investments, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities.
According to the governor’s office, the Pennyrile Area Development District (PADD) led regional planning efforts that made this project possible. PADD works to unite the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
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