U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.2 Million to Support Healthcare Industry in Lexington, Kentucky

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.2 million grant to Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Inc., in Lexington, Kentucky, to bolster the healthcare industry in a region impacted economically by recent flash flooding.

This grant will provide hospitals in Harlan, Morgan, and Perry counties with essential diagnostic equipment. This EDA investment will be matched with $539,200 in local funds, and is expected to retain more than 30 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda provides communities with the resources they need to create and retain jobs and grow their local economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide critical medical equipment to the community while keeping essential, in-demand healthcare positions local to the region.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to provide targeted, place-based grants designed to support local communities,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment will help to advance healthcare facilities while building long-term economic resilience in the region.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Big Sandy Area Development District, the Cumberland Valley Area Development District, the Gateway Area Development District, and the Kentucky River Area Development District. EDA funds these organizations to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.