The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced it will award approximately $40 million to Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) to connect eastern Kentucky residents to resources and training for good jobs. 

In December 2023, The Eastern Kentucky Runway Recompete Plan was named one of 22 Recompete Finalists as part of Phase 1 of the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete). Recompete targets areas where prime-age (25-54) employment is significantly lower than the national average to close this gap through flexible, locally-driven investments.

“What a great day for all of Eastern Kentucky! SOAR is incredibly excited to be selected for funding under EDA’s Recompete Pilot Program. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of SOAR’s Co-Principal Officers, Congressman Hal Rogers and Governor Andy Beshear, Kentucky State Senate President Robert Stivers, and Jane Brady Knight from Craft Philanthropy,” said Colby Hall, Executive Director of SOAR. “Over the next five years, we look forward to working with our project partners to successfully guide thousands of Eastern Kentuckians in the prime age employment gap back into employment.”

As one of six Recompete awardees selected for implementation funding, the Eastern Kentucky Runway Recompete Plan will advance local industries, small business support, and job placements for people in recovery, former coal workers, and others in a 12-county region. Geared toward healthcare, energy, and tech sectors, the coalition will grow employment in remote jobs and expand pathways to higher-paying careers.   

“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.”

Congressman Hal Rogers, the Dean of the US House of Representatives and founding Co-Principal officer of SOAR, and Governor Andy Beshear, Co-Principal officer of SOAR, issued statements following the announcement.

We have the best workforce in the country with individuals who take great pride in their skills. Given the work ethic of our region, this grant could be a game-changer in the hands of SOAR, an organization that is already shaping a brighter future in Kentucky’s Appalachian Region. They are readily able to connect our people to the training and resources they need. As we continue rebounding from the devastating decline of the coal industry, this investment will better prepare our workforce for the healthcare, energy, and tech sectors without leaving their hometowns in the mountains. Our communities have ramped up transportation and infrastructure to prepare for new businesses, and this grant will bridge the gaps for our workforce as well.

– Congressman Hal Rogers

 

“This investment will ease barriers to employment and support the hardworking people of Eastern Kentucky,” said Governor Beshear. “This is a region that deserves our country’s thanks and investment. The people of Eastern Kentucky mined the coal that powered our country through two world wars and helped build the strongest middle class the world has ever seen. We’re grateful to the Biden-Harris administration for prioritizing investment in our region and our people.”

The Recompete program was authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act. The statute authorized $1 billion for the program. To date, EDA has appropriated $200 million for the program.  

Read more about the Recompete Pilot Program at eda.gov/Recompete.   

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.