A federal economic development pilot program launched in Webster County this month with county officials recently hosting a two-day workshop with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Judge/Executive Steve Henry described the program kickoff as a success.
“I was humbled and inspired by the amount of participation and collaboration of all of those that participated from a federal, state and local level,” Henry said.
With its last mine closure five years ago, Webster County is home to extensive abandoned mine land that the community would like to see rehabilitated and put to alternative uses.
The workshop was titled Strategies for Diversifying and Transitioning Webster County’s Economy. Participants focused on renewing the understanding of Webster County’s vision and goals as it transitions from a coal-based economy, mapping current assets and opportunity areas, identifying challenges related to new industry development and quality of life elements in Webster County, and developing a prioritized action plan with next steps for implementation, identifying potential funding sources and resources to achieve the vision for transition.
“I think this sets Webster County on a path that will change the opportunities for the next several generations,” Henry said.
The EPA announced last May that Webster County, Kentucky, and the Hopi Tribe in Arizona would receive technical assistance through the Energy Communities Technical Assistance Pilot Program.
As part of the technical assistance, EPA staff will support projects in Webster County. After holding two workshops and having conversations with all the Rapid Response Teams, EPA will develop a playbook for use by any energy community during transition planning and implementation.
The playbook will identify initial steps that Webster County can take to plan its energy sector transition and economic diversification to create a more resilient and robust local economy.
“We just feel so fortunate to receive this much assistance from so many levels,” Henry said.
To read more about this initiative, click here.
