Bluegrass Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will provide $100,000 to the Gateway Area Development District (GAAD) through the Ready Local Development Districts (LDDs) Program. Senator McConnell helped advocate for these competitive federal funds in a letter of support on behalf of GAAD, which serves Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan Counties. 

The ARC recently launched the Ready LLDs program to support capacity-building initiatives throughout Appalachian communities. Today’s award to GAAD is funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senator McConnell supported. 

This funding will be used to increase staffing and capacity in the district for leveraging federal funds and technical assistance opportunities available through existing federal programs.

“Today’s announcement is welcome news for Kentucky’s Appalachian communities. I was proud to help the Gateway Area Development District secure today’s grant, and I’m glad East Central Kentucky is receiving the support it needs to take full advantage of competitive federal funds up for grabs in Washington,” said Senator McConnell. “This award will help lay the groundwork for new opportunity in the region so our Appalachian economies can continue to grow and diversify.”

“Gateway Area Development District (GADD) is excited to receive the READY LDDs grant award from the Appalachian Regional Commission. These funds will enable GADD to further its mission and help local government organizations implement impactful projects by accessing federal, state, and local funding. Thank you to Leader McConnell for his support of the grant application and Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin’s leadership in the development of the READY LDDs program,” said Joshua Farrow, Executive Director of the Gateway Area Development District.”

Original source can be found here.