Officials with the Pennyrile Area Development District announced Friday an award of $588,092 — earmarked for 2023 Disaster Supplemental Funding and a Disaster Resiliency Capacity Building Project from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
Through this bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA grants are awarded on a competitive process based on the application’s merit, the applicant’s eligibility, and the availability of funds.
This EDA investment will enable PeADD to employ a disaster resiliency planner, who will spearhead initiatives across the nine counties of the Pennyrile region.
This planner will play a crucial role in advancing the District’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) by focusing on resiliency.
Additionally, they will offer technical assistance to local communities in disaster and emergency response, while coordinating efforts with federal and state agencies. And, ultimately, this project aims to bolster the region’s economic foundation, uncover new business opportunities, and stimulate job growth throughout the area.
This EDA funding will also be utilized to purchase key pieces of equipment to further the success of this work in the local region. This equipment will include a drone unit for each of the nine Emergency Management offices in the Pennyrile region to be utilized during emergency and disaster situations.
In a written statement, PeADD Director of Community & Economic Development Amy Frogue noted that this regional approach will allow for the strategic preparation of recurring disasters and similar threats, “drawing on historical data and experiences from nearby areas to bolster our overall preparedness.”
