Kentucky is one of five states chosen for a program to help rural communities. The Rural Partners Network is led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will help people in rural areas access government resources.
Tom Carew is the USDA’s state director for rural development. He said there is an unfortunate reason Kentucky was chosen for the program.
“The Rural Partnership Network is trying to target areas of persistent poverty. Unfortunately, we have a large number of counties in Kentucky that are considered in persistent poverty.”
He said they must use their current connections, but more is needed.
“The many community action agencies, the area development districts, the many non-profits, the school districts, water districts, the list goes on and on of who our potential partners are. The idea is though, to expand those partnerships and networks to try and move those counties forward.”
In eastern Kentucky, the partnership will be working in Bell, Clay, Harlan, Knox, Leslie, Letcher, Perry, and Whitley Counties. In western Kentucky the program will be working with communities in Fulton County.
