Contact: Ricki Clark
Kentucky Department for Local Government
502/573-2382

For Immediate Release
Special for Monroe County 

Frankfort, Ky. (July 27, 2001) – Gov. Paul Patton announced today that Monroe County is the recipient of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in the amount of $295,000 for the expansion of the Graham and Hammer Lumber Company at its present location.

The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers the CDBG program in Kentucky.

Graham and Hammer, a milled hardwood lumber company, plans to construct a new 40,000 square foot building where they will make wood products for the furniture industry. The expansion will result in the creation of 45 new jobs to an area with high unemployment and high dependence upon the faltering garment industry.

CDBG funds will be used to improve water pressure at the site to meet fire flow requirements. The Monroe County Water District will construct a 100,000-gallon water storage tank and booster pump station to meet the requirements.

Gov. Patton said, “While we are always working to recruit new business and industry to Kentucky, we jump at the chance to help an existing business that has provided employment and economic security for Kentuckians.”

Commissioner Jody Lassiter said, “Providing funds to a proven business so that business can offer good paying jobs to Kentuckians is a great investment of CDBG dollars.”

These funds are made available by DLG through the U.S. Department for Housing and Urban Development. DLG administers the CDBG Small Cities program in Kentucky, which makes funding available to eligible cities and counties for community development activities.

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