Group will discuss the grant-making process for single-county severance money

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Ernie Fletcher will call a meeting of coal county officials to discuss the grant-making process for single-county coal severance money.

Approximately $100 million in single-county coal severance funds are expected to be available during the 2007-08 budget period.

“I was concerned there was not enough local input in the budget-making process in determining coal severance projects,” said Governor Fletcher. “I am calling a meeting of county judge executives and fiscal courts to coordinate an effort to award single-county coal severance grants with their participation.”

The 2007-2008 budget includes approximately $100 million in single-county coal severance funds for the biennium, rather than the $79 million for earmarked projects in budget submitted by the Kentucky General Assembly.

Details of the meeting will be announced in the coming weeks.

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