HOPKINSVILLE, KY – Pennyrile Area Development District, a public planning and development organization striving to support regional strategies, solutions, and partnerships that improve the overall quality of life for the citizens of the Pennyrile region, announced they were awarded $588,092 for the 2023 Disaster Supplemental Funding – Disaster Resiliency Capacity Building Project from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based on the application’s merit, the applicant’s eligibility, and the availability of funds.

The EDA investment will enable the Pennyrile Area Development District 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. Ultimately, this project aims to bolster the region’s economic foundation, uncover new business opportunities, and stimulate job growth throughout the area.

Additionally, EDA funding will 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. The purchase of this equipment will enable PeADD to assist our communities to better prepare for and respond to emergencies.

“The PeADD is pleased to receive this grant funding from the EDA which will allow us to hire a disaster resiliency planner to create a meaningful impact for the Pennyrile region,” said Amy Frogue, Director of Community & Economic Development, PeADD. “A resilient community proactively integrates tools into its planning processes to identify potential economic vulnerabilities and challenges. By adopting a regional approach, we can strategically prepare for recurring disasters and similar threats, drawing on historical data and experiences from nearby areas to bolster our overall preparedness.”

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