{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3B087943-15E1-43FF-BAAB-E10C23E44BAC", "Congressman Rogers Announces $40 Million EDA Grant for SOAR to Enhance Workforce Training and Education in Eastern Kentucky", "2024-08-05", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers applauds the U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration (EDA) for awarding it\u2019s largest grant totaling approximately $40 million through the Recompete Program to Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR).\n\nThe grant will support SOAR\u2019s Eastern Kentucky Runway Recompete Plan to connect Eastern Kentucky residents to resources and training for good jobs, including an Appalachian Digital Academy. As Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, Rogers secures EDA funding for the Commerce Department and firmly advocates for economic support in rural America. To date, EDA has been provided $200 million for the Recompete program.\n\n\u201cWe have the best workforce in the country with individuals who take great pride in their skills. Given the work ethic of our region, this grant could be a gamechanger in the hands of SOAR, an organization already shaping a brighter future in Kentucky\u2019s Appalachian Region. They are readily able to connect our people to the training and resources they need,\u201d said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. \u201cAs we continue rebounding from the devastating decline of the coal industry, this investment will better prepare our workforce for the healthcare, energy and tech sectors, without leaving their hometowns in the mountains. Our communities have ramped up transportation and infrastructure to prepare for new businesses, and this grant will bridge the gaps for our workforce as well.\u201d\n\nSOAR\u2019s Eastern Kentucky Runway Recompete Plan was named one of 22 Recompete Finalists in December 2023, as part of Phase 1 of the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, targeting employment gaps for individuals ages 25-54.\n\n\u201cThese Recompete investments will address key economic drivers and revitalize communities by creating jobs and developing long-term economic growth \u2013 allowing each to chart a new path to prosperity in the modern economy,\u201d said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.\n\nAs one of six Recompete awardees selected for implementation funding, the Eastern Kentucky Runway Recompete Plan will advance local industries, small business support, and job placements for people in recovery, former coal workers, and others in a 12-county region. Geared towards healthcare, energy, and tech sectors, the coalition will grow employment in remote jobs and expand pathways to higher-paying careers.\n\n\u201cThrough partnership with local communities, the Recompete program will make targeted, community-led investments to reduce unemployment,\u201d said U.S. Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. \u201cThe Recompete awardees are bringing together a wide range of partners to develop integrated approaches to support Americans in accessing good jobs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3B087943-15E1-43FF-BAAB-E10C23E44BAC"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.7598609663546085, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}