Local leaders are actively advocating in Frankfort and Washington, D.C., to secure funding for economic growth, veteran support, and infrastructure projects, which was one of the topics discussed at last week’s State of the Cities and County event.
Event moderator, Jason Vincent, highlighted Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield’s efforts in Washington, D.C., to make Hopkins County eligible for Abandoned Mine Lands Revitalization (AMLER) funds, following Governor Andy Beshear’s recent encouragement for coalfield communities to pursue an expected $29.5 million in grants.
Whitfield said he and other local leaders made several trips to Washington, D.C., and Frankfort, advocating for Abandoned Mine Lands Revitalization funds for Western Kentucky and credited Congressman James Comer for making it possible.
click to download audioHe added that the county will apply for this funding, which will support economic development projects.
click to download audioWhitfield noted that mining has taken place across the county and expressed gratitude to Comer for securing funding for Western Kentucky.
click to download audioFollowing Whitfield’s remarks, the conversation shifted to the advocacy trips that he and Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton make to Washington, D.C. Mayor Cotton emphasized the importance of local leaders visiting the nation’s capital, noting that having senators and congressmen in D.C. does not always guarantee attention to local community needs.
click to download audioHe shared that last Wednesday, they were in Washington, D.C., advocating for a workforce piece at Fort Campbell, where more than 400 soldiers leave the military each month, with a majority of those wanting to stay here in the area. He said the city and county teams are working to help those veterans settle and find jobs in Madisonville.
click to download audioHe said that regularly meeting with senators and congressmen in Washington, D.C. increases the city and county’s visibility and helps ensure their needs are recognized.
Judge Whitfield added that he recently discussed securing federal grants in Washington, D.C., to help lower toll rates for the new I-69 bridge to pay off the expected gap over a period of 37 years.
click to download audioHe noted that lowering the toll rates will benefit the community’s growth for years to come.
