Brett Guthrie, U.S. Congressman for Kentucky’s 2nd District; Hilda Legg, USDA State Director; and Maureen Carpenter, Barren County Economic Authority executive director, stand together during a press conference on Sept. 1, where Legg announced $99,999 would be awarded to the BCEA for small and emerging businesses.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW, Ky. – The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced during a press conference on Tuesday that the Barren County Economic Authority will receive a $99,999 grant.
The grant will help strengthen the local economy and aid in the development of small or emerging businesses.
“Our small businesses have been hit hard by this pandemic,” said Barren County Judge/ Executive Michael Hale. “We want them to know that we care about them, their employees and the overall well being of their business.”
Hilda Legg, Kentucky State Director for USDA Rural Development, said modern rural development is enveloped in three main items: affordable housing, business programs and community programs.
Legg said the Trump administration has placed $7.8 million in Barren County for business development. The administration has placed $2.1 billion in the commonwealth for housing.
“One of those I want to brag on is a $5.5 million loan we made to the Cave City hospitality to construct the 74-room Hampton Inn hotel,” Legg said. “So when you go over there, you know it’s your tax dollars going to work to help that happen in Cave City.”
The BCEA will use the grant funds to establish a revolving loan fund to support small and emerging businesses. At least five businesses and 20 jobs are expected to be created.
“As we’re having this difficult, tough time, as it is for everyone, that people grow and expand – or whatever it is for the business,” said Congressman Brett Guthrie, “In the community in which they love, and we love and want to be around. They have an opportunity to do so.”
The BCEA will partner with the Small Business Development Center, local banks and the Small Business Administration.
The USDA provides these grants to rural communities.
“It will not be our last,” said BCEA Executive Director Maureen Carpenter. “They do have so many programs that can benefit economic development in the community. This is just the first of many applications that we’ll put in.”