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LTADD Awarded $470,000 EDA Grant for Regional Hazard Mitigation and Disaster Coordination

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In this National Preparedness Month, we are reminded that disaster preparedness isn’t just about responding to emergencies, it’s about taking proactive steps to protect our communities, infrastructure, and local economies long before a crisis occurs. In working toward that end, LTADD has secured a $470,000 grant over three years from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to launch our new Regional Hazard Mitigation Planning and Disaster Coordination Initiative.

This major grant award has been a long time in the making, and is a first for LTADD. It marks a critical investment in the long-term resilience, safety, and economic security of our eight-county region.

When severe weather, flooding, or natural disasters strike Central Kentucky, the impacts stretch far beyond immediate physical damage. Communities often face major disruptions to local businesses, public infrastructure, and municipal services.

Through this initiative, LTADD will design and implement a coordinated regional framework to help our local cities and counties:

  • Enhance Local Capacity: Equip local governments and emergency leaders with actionable strategies, technical support, and resources to prepare for potential hazards.
  • Streamline Disaster Coordination: Foster seamless, cross-county collaboration between local officials, emergency management teams, and regional stakeholders during both emergency response and long-term recovery phases.
  • Protect Economic Assets: Safeguard critical public infrastructure, supply chains, and main street businesses to ensure our local economy can bounce back quickly following a disaster event.
  • Mitigate Long-Term Impacts: Develop proactive, data-driven projects that reduce the risk of loss of life and property damage before natural disasters happen.
  • Workforce Development Initiatives: An implementation framework for short-term and long-term workforce development initiatives tied to regional hazard mitigation and recovery goals. 

Sustainable economic growth cannot happen without a strong, resilient foundation. By aligning hazard mitigation planning with regional economic development goals, this three-year initiative ensures our communities remain competitive, safe, and attractive for new business investment.

Securing this federal funding is a major win for Central Kentucky, and we are deeply grateful to the EDA for their partnership and investment in our region’s future. Over the next three years, LTADD will work hand-in-hand with municipal leaders, county officials, and community partners across our region to roll out this initiative and build a more resilient Lincoln Trail region.

Want to learn more about our hazard mitigation efforts or discover how LTADD supports local community planning? Contact Disaster Resiliency Specialist Leslie Ashlock today to get involved.

 

Posted inCAPE News