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 $413,701 grant for the Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC) to help emerging area businesses. Specifically, the funds will be used to establish a new health clinic located in Clay County and expansion of an existing clinic in Knox County.

“Access to top-notch healthcare services is of tremendous importance to improving our communities and attracting future businesses. These two clinics will play 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 these important projects progress.”

Rural Development funds are used to provide loans and grants to rural programs that will provide economic development. The Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC) will use the funds to establish revolving loan funds which will lend to small and emerging businesses and provide technical assistance. The funds will be used in a 14-county service area; however, the initial recipient is a nonprofit, federally qualified health clinic to be located in Clay County. The clinic will focus on front-line preventative medicine and will initially employ 4 people including a physician, nurse and office manager. A portion of these funds will also be used to expand an existing health clinic in Gray, Kentucky. In addition to the $413,701 grant from USDA-RD, KHIC will be contributing $86,299 which brings the project total to $500,000.

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.