Small towns in Eastern Kentucky that suffered when coal companies left are now getting a chance to revitalize.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky has recently received a $1.48 million government grant. This is the largest grant CEDIK has received in its history. 

Alison Davis, an associate professor of agricultural economics and the executive director of CEDIK, said CEDIK plans to work with communities in Kentucky’s “Promise Zone” with the grant. 

Davis said the “Promise Zone” was designated by President Barack Obama and includes:

• Clay
• Knox
• Bell
• Perry
• Lesile
• Letcher
• Whitley
• Harlan

These counties have been hit hardest because of a declining coal industry. According to the 2014 US Census, only 434 employed business establishments are in Harlan county.  

“It’s great to work with elected officials, and businesses but most importantly youth,” Davis said. 

CEDIK will use the grant to revitalize downtown areas by creating mentorship and networking programs. The networking program puts towns in contact with one another to strengthen the entire region. The mentorship program pairs towns needing economic growth with already revitalized ones. These “mentors” will be used as a model to help aid in revitalization of the mentee. It is unknown currently what towns will qualify for which programs as CEDIK is still planning the program overall.