WASHINGTON, (November 13, 2009)—Today at a press conference at the Green Earth Bio-Fuel of Kentucky site in Estill County, Congressman Ben Chandler announced $984,000 in federal funding to Bluegrass PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment) to fund a grants program, environmental education in schools and communities, and the development of a strategic plan to shape Central Kentucky’s environmental future.  Clark, Estill, Garrard, Lincoln, Madison, Montgomery, and Powell Counties in the Sixth Congressional District and Nicholas County are eligible for these programs.

Chandler and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a federal-state partnership that works for sustainable community and economic development in Appalachia, were able to secure the funding announced today in Irvine.

“Central Kentucky’s rolling bluegrass hills, horse farms, lakes, and forests are so unique—we have much to be proud of,” Chandler said. “Many of our counties have ambitious goals to protect and preserve these sources of Kentucky pride, but have insufficient resources. This grant money announced today will give them the resources and the tools to make a difference on the grassroots level through education, new innovative projects, and forming detailed plans for the future while also creating local jobs.”

A portion of the funding will be used to survey for information on air and water quality, waste management resources, green space, stormwater issues, and environmental awareness in the ARC counties Bluegrass PRIDE serves, helping these counties identify their needs. Once this information has been compiled, counties will work with other stakeholders to develop a targeted plan to address the environmental issues and problems that were found.

Approximately one-third of the money will be used to fund a PRIDE grant program providing community grants, education grants, and funding for multiple educator workshops.  These grants will likely create and save Kentucky jobs. Bluegrass PRIDE will also develop and manage a water education program which will be aligned with the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) and will include materials and outreach for schools and community groups in Central Kentucky. Classroom education in these communities will center on classroom and service-based components.

“Bluegrass PRIDE is proud to partner with Congressman Ben Chandler and the Appalachian Regional Commission to create positive environmental changes for eight counties in Central Kentucky,” said Amy Sohner, executive director of Bluegrass PRIDE. “It’s my hope that the education and projects this partnership will enable will be forces for creating community awareness and empowerment to promote preservation and improvement of Kentucky’s natural resources.”

Bluegrass PRIDE provides environmental information and resources to schools, community groups, local governments and citizens in18 counties in Central Kentucky.