For Immediate Release
February 10, 1999
Contact: Mark Pfeiffer or Elizabeth Davenport (502) 564-2611

Governor Patton Recommends Russell Projects For ARC Funding

Frankfort, Ky. - Governor Paul Patton is recommending the Russell County Fiscal Court and the Russell County Industrial Development Authority receive Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding under Kentucky’s Fiscal Year 1999 ARC Investment Strategy.

If federal approval is given, Russell Fiscal Court would receive $500,000 in ARC funds for a gas system development project. The Industrial Development Authority would receive $285,000 for a technical education program.

The ARC funding for the Russell County Fiscal Court, along with $1,000,000 in Economic Development Authority funding, a $2,000,000 state surplus grant and a $1,727,675 loan from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development fund will be used to provide natural gas service for development of the Russell County Business Park, to existing industries in the county, and to households in Jamestown and Russell Springs. The proposed system will include construction of roughly 30 miles of gas transmission main lines and approximately 44 miles of distribution lines.

The Russell County Industrial Development Authority will use the ARC funding and $72,100 in local money to purchase equipment that will provide industry specific production training at the Russell County Area Technology Center. The Technology Center is located next door to the Lily Creek Industries facility that operates a fuel injection molding operation in a newly developed industrial park in Russell County. Lily Creek has experienced a lack of "work ready" employees which is slowing their attainment of full operations capacity and in planning future expansion. The center will provide space and staff for the required technology training and Lily Creek will provide the required technical assistance.

"Our goal is to provide economic opportunity and an improved quality of life for all Kentuckians," Governor Patton said. "I’m pleased to be able to recommend the funding for these projects that will move us toward that goal for the people of Russell County."

Full applications have been submitted to the Federal ARC Washington Office for approval.

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