U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) program has approved a $299,000 grant for the Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC) to help emerging area businesses located in Clinton, Jackson, and Wayne Counties. The first small business expected to receive loan funding from KHIC is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Clinic located in Burkesville. The loan will help create an estimated 13 new jobs.

“Access to top-notch healthcare services is of tremendous importance to improving our communities and attracting future businesses. This clinic plays a critical role in serving our seniors, young children, and hard working families while improving the marketability of our region to the world,” said Rogers. “Kentucky Highlands has once again demonstrated their dedication to the betterment of our region, and I am looking forward to seeing this important project progress, as well as the other small businesses that will benefit from this crucial funding.”

Rural Development funds are used to provide loans and grants to rural programs that will provide economic development. KHIC will use the grant to establish a revolving loan fund for small and emerging businesses in Clinton, Jackson, and Wayne Counties. The health clinic in Burkesville offers an extensive range of care and treatment to those in financial and medical need. The funds will allow the clinic to expand so that it can focus on providing front-line, preventative medicine.

KHIC was formed in 1968 to stimulate growth and create employment opportunities in Southeastern Kentucky. KHIC currently serves the following twenty-two counties in Kentucky: Bell, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Estill, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Madison, McCreary, Owsley, Perry, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Wayne, and Whitley.

Rogers currently serves as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. Through this role, Rogers supports important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.