Last Friday, May 31st, a special called meeting of the Cave City Council convened at City Hall to address pressing matters, most notably the authorization of the GRANT Program aimed at developing a new facility for the Boys and Girls Club in Cave City. The meeting was brief, but its decisions are expected to have a lasting impact on the community.
The primary agenda item was the approval of the GRANT Program, which is integral to the funding and development of the Boys and Girls Club project. This initiative stems from the recently passed House Bill 728, which allocates state resources to support community development projects across Kentucky. Council members voted unanimously to authorize the GRANT Program, reflecting a strong commitment to enhancing youth services in the area.
Matt Pedigo, community development specialist with the Barren River Area Development District, spoke on what the GRANT program is.
Audio PlayerThe new facility is expected to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and teenagers, offering a range of programs designed to support their educational and personal growth.
While the project has been stymied by funding issues, Pedigo has applied for $300,000 through this program to counter-step these issues, to get the development back on track.
Audio PlayerIn addition to the authorization of the GRANT Program, the meeting also included talks on the upcoming sidewalk safety projects as well as the welcoming of a new code enforcement officer.
Additional information on the GRANT program: The Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (GRANT) Program, also known as the HB 9 program, was established during the 2023 legislative session to provide matching funds to local governments and nonprofits. This initiative aims to leverage the unprecedented amount of federal funding available for communities.
The program includes additional one-time funding allocations:
– $75 million in FY2025 and FY2026 for drinking water and wastewater grants.
– $75 million in FY2025 for the Kentucky Product Development Initiative program.
– $950 million in FY2025 to address the unfunded pension liability in the State Police Retirement System, Kentucky Employees Retirement System Nonhazardous, and Teachers’ Retirement System.
– $3.5 million in FY2024 and $15 million in FY2025 for public riverports.
– $30 million in FY2025 for two rail pilot programs.
– $11.4 million in FY2025 to provide $200,000 grants to each of the general aviation airports.
– $50 million in FY2025 for the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Loan Pool.
– $6.4 million in FY2025 for Kentucky State Police lab equipment. These investments underscore the state’s commitment to improving infrastructure, supporting economic development, and enhancing public safety.
