For Immediate Release
October 18, 1997
Contact Melissa Forsythe or Mark Pfeiffer at
(502) 564-2611
GOVERNOR PATTON ANNOUNCES PARTICIPANTS FOR
THE
APPALACHIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
Frankfort, Ky. - Governor Paul Patton today visited Jenkins in Letcher County and Hindman in Knott County to tell those communities they've been selected as participants in the Kentucky Appalachian Community Development Initiative.
Governor Patton said, "This initiative is an action-oriented program that will concentrate development resources in these two towns and help local leaders and the people of the areas build 21st century communities with sustainable local economies."
Fifteen Eastern Kentucky communities applied to participate in the first round of the program which is a product of the Kentucky Appalachian Commission. The applications were assessed by an administrative committee of the commission which forwarded its recommendations to Governor Patton.
The governor said, "I'm very pleased with the reception this exciting, innovative program received from communities throughout the region. The people of these towns have demonstrated they recognize the value of community based economic development plans that are crafted by local people working together with local leaders."
As participants in the initiative, Jenkins and Hindman are being designated "Priority Development Communities" which means they'll be given first consideration for existing Appalachian development resources. "If this approach of concentrating resources works," the governor said, "then we need to continue this program in other communities of the region."
Governor Patton said one of his pledges has always been to work with Appalachian communities to pursue ways to bring substance to the vision they have for their advancement. "The Kentucky Appalachian Development Initiative is part of my administration's effort to honor my pledge and deliver programs to you that are productive."
For more information about the initiative, contact Ewell Balltrip, Executive Director, Kentucky Appalachian Commission, 606-435-6129.
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