SOAR Gets $750,000 for Operations

Press Release

The Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) initiative got a $750,000 grant to cover start-up expenses over the next four years, thanks to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).

The funds will ensure that SOAR will have the budget to support staffing over the next several years as the initiative implements the goals recommended by the people of eastern Kentucky.

The funds will cover up to half of the expected administrative expenses, including the salary of a qualified executive director and appropriate administrative costs.

"During the past year, it has been incredibly inspiring to see the growth and development of the SOAR initiative," said ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl F. Gohl. "The level of energy generated from within the region, the work of the committees, and the leadership by the Governor and Congressman has brought SOAR to this point. Our challenge is that there is a great deal that needs to be accomplished."

The amount will be available over the next four fiscal years, with the four-year total not to exceed $750,000. Gohl said the funds were allocated to the initiative so the new executive director could maintain focus on the important mission of SOAR, instead of budgetary resource issues.

"The ARC has been a steadfast friend to eastern Kentucky, never failing to support and invest in our region during the most critical times," said Congressman Rogers. "This funding is essential to the next phase of SOAR and I applaud the ARC for realizing the direct impact that this organization will make on the future of our region."

"We appreciate this commitment of federal resources from ARC, because it shows that they are also committed to the mission of SOAR," said Governor Steve Beshear. "We share their belief that this initiative has great potential for the future of Appalachia."

The SOAR executive board is interviewing candidates for the position of Executive Director. The second annual SOAR Summit will be held sometime in early 2015, although the date and location will be determined by the new director.

About the SOAR initiative

The SOAR initiative was launched by Gov. Beshear and Congressman Hal Rogers late last year, after a stunning downturn in the coal market exacerbated historic challenges in eastern Kentucky related to unemployment and poverty. More than 1,700 Kentuckians attended a one-day SOAR summit in Pikeville in December 2013. SOAR is intended to help the region develop and put into action new locally-oriented strategies to attack those persistent challenges.

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