SOAR – which stands for Shaping Our Appalachian Region – has been selected as a
finalist for the U.S. Economic Development Administration Recompete Pilot Program
which, if they win, could mean tens of millions of dollars for the region. SOAR is among
22 finalists from among more than 560 agencies from across the country competing for
between $20 to $50 million to lift up persistently distressed communities and connect
workers to good jobs. SOAR’s proposed project targets 12 Eastern Kentucky counties
including Letcher, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, Leslie, Perry and Pike.