The Pennyrile Area Development District has been awarded at $588,100 grant to go towards disaster relief efforts.
According to a news release, the funding comes from the United States Economic Development Administration for the 2023 Disaster Supplemental Funding Disaster Resiliency Capacity Building project. This investment will allow PADD to employ a disaster resiliency planner, who will spearhead initiatives across the nine-county region, playing a crucial role in advancing the District’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
This project aims to bolster the region’s economic foundation, uncover new business opportunities and stimulate job growth throughout the area.
They will also utilize the funding for purchase of equipment, including a drone unit for each of the nine Emergency Management Offices.
Director of Community and Economic Development Amy Frogue says, “A resilient community proactively integrates tools into its planning processes to identify potential economic vulnerabilities and challenges. By adopting a regional approach, we can strategically prepare for recurring disasters and similar threats, drawing on historical data and experiences from nearby areas to bolster our overall preparedness.”