U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $10.7 Million for Water Infrastructure Improvements to Support Job Growth in Hazard, Kentucky

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $10.7 million for water infrastructure improvements needed to support job growth and economic resiliency in the region.

This grant will provide for increased water service at the Coal Fields Regional Industrial Park, providing greater capacity to local businesses. This EDA investment will be matched with $2.7 million in local funds and is expected to retain more than 100 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes that infrastructure is key to building an economy that works for all Americans, and that America’s workers are the source of our country’s innovation and competitiveness,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “That’s why this grant is so important, as it will provide increased services to local businesses and protect critical workforce opportunities in the region.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with communities to support locally driven disaster recovery and resiliency efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will provide critical infrastructure improvements to help diversify the regional economy and create jobs.”

“The Biden-Harris administration understands that, when we invest in critical infrastructure, we set our communities up for success for generations to come,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “We’re building our new Kentucky home, where opportunity is possible for all our people. This investment will have a significant impact and help bring jobs to some of our hardest hit communities.”

“Our goal is to improve water for everyone in Perry County and to make lengthy water outages a thing of the past. This is a major project that includes building a new water treatment plant and extending new lines from Buckhorn to Chavies, and this investment from EDA puts us on the path to construction,” said Representative Hal Rogers (KY-05). “This project will improve water quality for residents, businesses and schools across the county, paving the way for future economic development.”

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

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.