PAINTSVILLE, Ky. -- In an effort to create jobs and improve economic development opportunities in Eastern Kentucky, Congressman Hal Rogers announced a $1.2 million grant has been awarded to One East Kentucky for a new industrial growth initiative called "Opportunity East Kentucky." The project will serve 300 businesses and 12 communities with the potential to create 1,500 jobs in Kentucky's Appalachian region. 

"We are diligently working to diversify our economy in Eastern Kentucky by recruiting new industry leaders to the mountains where they can find the best workforce in the country, along with competitive resources," said Congressman Rogers, who fights for ARC funding every year on Capitol Hill. "I applaud One East Kentucky for actively searching for businesses that have the potential to thrive in our region. Thanks to their tireless efforts, we are seeing job growth in several counties, despite unprecedented challenges related to the coronavirus.  

One East Kentucky plans to leverage $60 million in private investment to create and retain hundreds of jobs in Kentucky's Appalachian region. 

“Our organization has been built to attract jobs and investment into the coalfields and that mission will be greatly strengthened due to this grant award from ARC. The funding will be utilized within our recruitment of new industry, community strategy support, industrial park preparation, and to build out a robust business retention and expansion program to spur job creation. The OEK board of directors and I would like to thank Congressman Rogers, Senator McConnell, Governor Beshear, and ARC co-chair Tim Thomas as well as the phenomenal work of our staff member Ivy Stanley and the team at Kentucky’s Department of Local Government for their diligence in ensuring our activities have a greater opportunity to achieve results for the people of East Kentucky.” Chuck Sexton, President & CEO, One East Kentucky.

Learn more about One East Kentucky at oneeastky.com. 

To learn more about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.