In 2024, the Kentucky General Assembly, for the first time ever, invested general funds in the state’s 10 local Workforce Development Boards — spending $20 million over two years under House Bill 1.
The cash could be used to expand capacity, and serve youth aged 16-to-24 years old not enrolled in school and/or not working, or high school seniors without a postsecondary plan, and create a path to stable employment.
The goal was to then find job placement for 1,800 young adults annually, or 3,600 over two years, through these efforts.
During last week’s Pennyrile Area Development District meeting, “Putting Young Kentuckians to Work” Program Specialist Becki Wells said all is working as intended.
Wells noted he is making north of $25/hour, remains “ecstatic” and is “ready to work” whenever he is needed.
Sheila Clark, executive director of the West Kentucky Workforce Board, said recent funding from both the Delta Regional Authority and CDAP will “go a long way” in the distant future, but that hope remains for continued funding of the PYKW across the Commonwealth.
Well further added that their office is within the “last six months” of this funding cycle.
In other PADD news:
+ According to recent Kentucky eClearinghouse reports, officials in Todd County are pursuing some new sidewalks for both the Todd County School District, as well as the City of Elkton.
Todd County Superintendent Jessica Addison is the point of contact for a submission under review, in which there is hope of constructing new pedestrian infrastructure along KY 181 in front of the Todd County Central High School. Currently, there are no sidewalks in this area.
The use of Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside funds, as well as Surface Transportation Block Grant funds, would allow for the building of 985 linear feet of five-foot-wide concrete sidewalk, a pedestrian walking bridge, ADA-compliant curb ramps and some warning pads. Total estimated cost: $236,835.50.
Elkton Mayor Arthur Green is the point of contact for another submission under review, in which officials would like to use identical grant arms for 435 linear feet of raised crosswalks, removal and replacement of existing pavement and sidewalk, ADA-compliant warning pads and new street lighting for Elkton’s popular Public Square. Total estimated cost: $306,000.
+ In the shadow of the Kentucky General Assembly’s budgetary process, home delivered meals, homemaking and personal care waiting lists remain long. As of January 9, more than 190 were seeking home delivered meals, including 58 in Christian County, 36 in Muhlenberg County, 31 in Hopkins County and 23 in Trigg County. More than 290 were seeking homemaking help, including 116 in Christian County, 51 in Hopkins County, 41 in Muhlenberg County and 35 in Trigg County. More than 60 needed personal care, including 33 in Christian County, nine in Muhlenberg County, and six each in Hopkins and Trigg counties.
