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Governor presents over $9.5M in awards to benefit Adair Co.

Governor joins state, local officials to break ground on natural gas lines that will support local business, Adair County Schools, new subdivision

From Crystal Staley/Scottie Ellis

On Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, Gov. Andy Beshear joined state and local officials to present more than $9.5 million in funding to support natural gas lines, high-speed internet access, clean water, economic development, infrastructure, tourism and more in Adair County.

These announcements build on the county's momentum, with Phillips Tank & Structure, a nationwide tank construction contractor, having announced last week plans to build a $2.76 million fabrication shop that will create 20 new full-time jobs in the Columbia area.

"Adair County's economy is booming. Last week, Phillips Tank & Structure invested $2.76 million in this community, creating 20 jobs for our people. Today, we're celebrating another $9.5 million in investment from my administration, and breaking ground on natural gas lines that will support local businesses, public schools, new housing and more," Gov. Beshear said. "This is a great day for all of Kentucky because Adair's success builds on the incredible wins we're seeing across the commonwealth."

"Every dollar announced today will make someone's life better," said Adair County Judge/Executive Larry Bryant. "These kinds of investments serve every citizen of Adair County and secure a brighter future for our people. We appreciate the state's support as we work to improve our infrastructure and bring more people and businesses to our communities."


"I appreciate the Governor for drawing attention to how taxpayer resources are being reinvested in our community," said Rep. Amy Neighbors of Edmonton. "I am glad to see Adair County get the attention that the legislature intended. This funding will play a vital role in supporting our road infrastructure and driving economic growth."

"We are excited about Gov. Beshear's visit to Columbia," said Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots. "We appreciate his commitment to growth and development in our community. These announcements are important for the future of our county."

Groundbreaking for Natural Gas Lines and Regulator Station
Gov. Beshear presented $625,548 in Appalachian Regional Commission funds to the City of Columbia, which will be used to construct 6,350 linear feet of natural gas lines and a regulator station. These dollars will provide natural gas lines to support local business development, as well as Adair County Schools, 10 households and future residents in an upcoming 80-acre subdivision. The Governor joined state and local leaders, as well as the Franklin family, to break ground on the project.

High-Speed Internet Access
Gov. Beshear presented $7,244,132 to Duo Broadband to connect 378 unserved homes and businesses in Adair County to high-speed internet. The company will also contribute $3,104,628 in matching funds, bringing the total investment in this community to $10,348,760.

Cleaner Water Program Award
Gov. Beshear presented $1,148,257 to the Adair County Water District. The district will construct 9,500 linear feet of 6-inch water line along Kentucky Highway 551 connecting two existing water lines on each side of Green River and creating a loop in the system. This will improve water volume and pressure in the Knifley area. In addition, the Knifley Pump Station will be replaced with a more efficient station.

Build-Ready Certified Pad to Boost Economic Development
Gov. Beshear awarded $459,441 to the Adair County Fiscal Court, the Columbia-Adair County Economic Development Authority and the City of Columbia, which have partnered to build a 150,000-square-foot Build-Ready-certified pad that will further the potential for economic development in the area. This funding comes through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative.

Tourism Marketing
Gov. Beshear awarded $29,248 to the Adair County Tourism and Convention Commission from the Kentucky Department of Tourism to support travel marketing and promotion.

"The Adair County Tourism and Convention Commission is thrilled to receive these funds from the state. We plan to expand our county marketing efforts nationwide in hopes of bringing more visitors to our beautiful college and lake town," said Executive Director of the Adair County Tourism and Convention Commission, Paige Nickel. "We appreciate the support and confidence we have received from the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet and the Governor's Office."

Road Resurfacing
Gov. Beshear awarded the Adair County Fiscal Court $132,300 to resurface 1.825 miles on Winfrey Hill Road, benefitting 141 households and 19 local businesses.

Household Hazardous Waste
Gov. Beshear presented $9,000 to support a one-day event for residents to safely dispose of household hazardous waste.


This story was posted on 2023-10-03 16:34:57
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City receives funds for natural gas lines



2023-10-03 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.
Mayor Pamela Hoots and City leaders along with the Franklin family accepted the check from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear in the amount of $625,548 ARC funds which will be used to construct 6,350 linear feet of natural gas lines and a regulator station. The investment will provide natural gas lines to support local business development, as well as Adair County Schools, homes and more.

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Build-Ready Pad to Boost Economic Development



2023-10-03 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.
EDA board members Doyle Lloyd, Mark Dykes and Chairman Larry Walker along with Deputy Adair County Judge Executive Bridget Compton accepted the check from Gov. Andy Beshear in the amount of $459,441. The investment was awarded to the Adair County Fiscal Court, the Columbia-Adair County Economic Development Authority and the City of Columbia, which have partnered to build a 150,000-square-foot Build-Ready-certified pad that will further the potential for economic development in the area. This funding comes through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI).

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Ground broken for new Franklin Ford building



2023-10-03 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.
Governor Andy Beshear, Representative Amy Neighbors, Mayor Pamela Hoots, and Gas Supervisor Jerry Watson joined Franklin family members Barbara, Dan, Don Jr., Eddie Jr., Ben, Daniel and Nathaniel, in the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Franklin Ford building on the site of the special announcements Tuesday.

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Tourism investment made for marketing



2023-10-03 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.
Paige Nickel, Executive Director of the Adair County Tourism and Convention Commission, accepted the $29,248 check from the Kentucky Department of Tourism to support travel marketing and promotion. Paige said, "The Adair County Tourism and Convention Commission is thrilled to receive these funds from the state. We plan to expand our county marketing efforts nationwide in hopes of bringing more visitors to our beautiful college and lake town."

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Franklin family keepsake picture at groundbreaking



2023-10-04 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.
The Franklin family gathered for a keepsake picture after the special event on location of the groundbreaking for their new building. From left are: Don Jr holding Adaline, Ginna, Melinda, Dan, Shelby Bryant, Nathaniel, Barbara, Eddie Jr holding Eli, Alanna, Lillie, Daniel, Ben holding Ethan, and Monica Franklin.

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At the groundbreaking ceremony



2023-10-04 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.
Mayor Pam Hoots is pictured with Rep Amy Neighbors, at left, and educator Deb Waddell, at right, at Gov. Andy Beshear's special announcements and groundbreaking at the location of the new Franklin Ford dealership. The theme of Tuesday's event was that no matter the political party, what's important is working together for the betterment of our area.

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Columbia Adair Utility District amount to improve water



2023-10-04 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.
Those on hand to accept Gov. Beshear's check for $1,148,257 to the Columbia Adair Utility District were, from left: Tim baker, Bridget Compton, Gov. Beshear, Mark Humphress, Lenny Stone and Billy Coffey. Mayor Pam Hoots is at right. The district will construct 9,500 linear feet of 6-inch water line along Kentucky Highway 551 connecting two existing water lines on each side of Green River and creating a loop in the system. This will improve water volume and pressure in the Knifley area. In addition, the Knifley Pump Station will be replaced with a more efficient station.

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Thanks to the firefighters who serve



2023-10-05 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.
Thanks to the Columbia Adair County volunteer firefighters who always go when called upon, whether tragedy or celebration. Their dedication is appreciated by all. From left, working the visit of Governor Andy Beshear are: Tyler Solum, Billy Hadley, Spencer Hansel, Zack Giles, Chistian Arbec, and Jayson Owens.

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High-Speed Internet expanding in southern Adair



2023-10-06 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Amber Hobaugh.
Gov. Andy Beshear presented $7,244,132 to DuoBroadband to connect 378 unserved homes and businesses in Adair County to high-speed internet. The company will also contribute $3,104,628 in matching funds, bringing the total investment in this community to $10,348,760.

Pictured from left are: Gov. Beshear; Bridget Compton, Adair County Deputy Judge Executive; Daryl Hammond, DuoBroadband Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Lisa Back, Duo Business Support Consultant; and Tristan Bonnstetter, Duo Director of Regulatory and Government Affairs. DuoBroadband leaders said they are proud for this expansion in Adair County and the Bliss Community and glad to be apart of it.

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