Why It Matters
Federal investment in Appalachian infrastructure remains a priority for both parties in Kentucky, even as national policy debates intensify.
What Happened
U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers and Gov. Andy Beshear announced $22 million in federal funding for Eastern Kentucky on Friday. The officials made the announcement at the annual Shaping Our Appalachia Region Summit in Corbin, Ky. The funds come from the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program, which Rep. Rogers established in 2016. The money will support healthcare, emergency services, and infrastructure projects in the region.
The announcement highlighted a collaborative effort despite significant political differences between the two leaders. Gov. Beshear used the platform to criticize President Donald Trump’s policies, citing price increases linked to foreign tariffs and conflict choices. He also opposed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, arguing it would close rural hospitals and eliminate coverage for 250,000 Kentuckians if Medicaid funding is cut.
Rep. Rogers declined to engage with the governor’s criticisms. “Of course I stand with the president,” Rogers said, adding that he would let the governor handle his own concerns. The two men have a history of working together; Rep. Rogers founded the Shaping Our Appalachia Region (SOAR) initiative in 2013 alongside former Gov. Steve Beshear.
By the Numbers
$22 million — Federal funding from AMLER for healthcare, emergency services, and infrastructure
$25.7 million — Funding for the Center for Rural Development to expand high-speed internet access
six — Number of projects receiving high-speed internet expansion funds
a dozen — Number of counties benefiting from the internet expansion projects
$78.8 million — Total awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission to Kentucky in fiscal year 2026
250,000 — Number of Kentuckians Gov. Beshear claims would lose coverage under proposed Medicaid cuts
Zoom Out
The funding announcement reflects broader national trends in rural broadband expansion and Appalachian economic development. The $25.7 million for the Center for Rural Development is part of a larger $78.8 million award from the Appalachian Regional Commission to Kentucky for fiscal year 2026. These investments aim to bridge the digital divide in rural areas while leveraging federal resources for regional revitalization.
What’s Next
Gov. Beshear said he intends to protect state residents from potential federal funding cuts. “I’m going to do everything I can to make sure we blunt that very difficult thing that’s headed our way,” Beshear said. Implementation of the AMLER and broadband projects will proceed as agencies allocate the designated funds across the targeted counties.