Frankfort, Ky. (June 24, 2014) ––The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Department for Environmental Protection today announced recipients of the first grants issued through the Cleaner Commonwealth Fund. The fund, which is administered through the Division of Compliance Assistance, provides financial assistance for projects that clean up brownfield properties, including old factories, former gas stations and other properties that are abandoned or underutilized due to environmental contamination. Two projects are being funded in this round, both for asbestos removal: Lincoln Hall in Annville in Jackson County, will receive $49,000. This historic building will be redeveloped as a cultural center, reception hall and classrooms for after-school and summer youth programs. Columbia Theatre in Paducah will receive $49,000. The restored theater will be used as a cinematic art house and provide a venue for live music and educational programs. Another round of grants for local governments and nonprofit entities will be available this fall. A loan program, which will be open to public, private and nonprofit entities, will be launched in 2015. The grant-and-loan fund was established through an $850,000 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund grant. For more information, please contact Herb Petitjean or Amanda LeFevre in the Kentucky Brownfield Redevelopment Program at 800-926-8111.
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