ARC Funds Headed to London-Based Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation

Press Release

ARC Funds Headed to London-Based Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation

Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers announced today that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has approved a $300,000 grant for the construction of a business incubator facility adjacent to the Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation's (KHIC) London office. The 9,600 square foot "Center for Entrepreneurial Growth" is designed to accommodate ten new and emerging businesses in the technology and service sectors within its first three years of operation, all of which would receive first-rate technical assistance from KHIC.

"Providing opportunities for new businesses to thrive in our communities is crucial for our current and future prosperity, and in particular, high-paying jobs in the technology and service sectors will position Southern and Eastern Kentucky to remain competitive on the state and national level," stated Rogers. "The Appalachian Regional Commission and the Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation have once again demonstrated their dedication to the betterment of our region, and I am looking forward to seeing this important project progress."

KHIC intends to provide new tenants of the Center for Entrepreneurial Growth with flexible leases, shared basic business services and equipment, technology support and assistance in obtaining financing necessary for growth. Construction plans for the facility include both wet and dry laboratories to accommodate chemical, engineering and/or pharmaceutical companies, in addition to design elements which incorporate an array of environmentally-friendly and energy efficient materials. This extensive use of "green" building concepts and materials will qualify the facility for a U.S. Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) Silver certification. The project is expected to cost $1.83 million in sum, and the ARC grant will be supplemented with federal funding from the Economic Development Administration and KHIC funding.

"In an era in which our country is struggling towards energy independence, innovation in building construction puts us on the right track towards conservationism," stated Rogers. "I applaud KHIC for the foresight and vision demonstrated in the plans for the Center for Entrepreneurial Growth."

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.

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