$40M federal for SOAR to link Eastern Ky to jobs
Summary
FRANKFORT, Ky. Shaping Our Appalachian Region ( SOAR ) is getting $40 million in U.S. Department of Commerce money as a federal Distressed Area Recompute Pilot Program to connect Eastern Kentucky residents to resources and training for good jobs.Gov. This program targets areas where prime-age (25-54) employment is significantly lower than the national average, with the goal of closing this gap through flexible, locally driven investments. Beshear submitted a letter of recommendation on SOARs behalf.As one of six awardees selected for implementation funding, SOARs plan will advance local industries, small business support and job placement for people in recovery, former coal workers and others across 12 counties: Bell, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Perry and Pike. The investments in Kentuckys Runaway Recompete Plan will create jobs, enhance workforce development efforts in high-growth industries, and grow local small businesses to help revitalize communities across Eastern Kentucky.Through partnership with local communities, the Recompete program will make targeted, community-led investments to reduce unemployment, said U.S. Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. The Recompete awardees are bringing together a wide range of partners to develop integrated approaches to support Americans in accessing good jobs.This program was authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, a key part of the Biden-Harris administrations Investing in America agenda.