# Kentucky State gets $2M federal grant for Eastern Kentucky workforce training **Published:** 2026-07-02T18:05:04.000Z **Source:** [Lane Report (KY Business)](https://www.lanereport.com/188310/2026/07/kstates-2m-grant-will-link-job-training-land-restoration-economic-development-in-eky/) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/kentucky-state-gets-2m-federal-grant-for-eastern-kentucky-workforce-training Kentucky State University has secured a $2 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to expand workforce training and land restoration efforts in Eastern Kentucky, particularly in communities affected by the decline of coal mining. According to [reporting by The Lane Report](https://www.lanereport.com/188310/2026/07/kstates-2m-grant-will-link-job-training-land-restoration-economic-development-in-eky/), the four-year project will establish a Center of Excellence focused on workforce preparation, land restoration, and economic recovery in Eastern Kentucky. The initiative will prepare residents, landowners, and community partners to capitalize on opportunities tied to ecological recovery and job growth in coal-impacted regions. Kentucky State, the [Commonwealth's only public historically Black college or university](https://www.arc.gov/grants-and-opportunities/power/), will lead the project in collaboration with Virginia Tech, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and Tennessee State University. The funding comes through the [Appalachian Regional Commission's POWER Initiative](https://www.arc.gov/grants-and-opportunities/power/), which targets federal resources to expand economic opportunities in communities affected by coal industry decline. The project will deliver 13 training programs aligned with state and regional economic development priorities, with the goal of training approximately 1,000 local stakeholders in restoration planning, land management, measuring restoration outcomes, and market-based approaches to working lands restoration. Renew Appalachia will serve as a key partner, providing land in Martin County for on-site restoration trainings. Dr. Buddhi Gyawali, professor in Kentucky State's School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will lead the effort. The project received letters of support from 12 state senators and representatives and two U.S. representatives, reflecting recognition of the need for coordinated investment in the region's workforce and economic future. Kentucky State President Koffi C. Akakpo said the award reflects the university's commitment to serving the Commonwealth. "Our faculty and staff are building partnerships, strengthening communities, and preparing students and residents for the future of work," he said in a statement. ## Sources - [Lane Report (KY Business)](https://www.lanereport.com/188310/2026/07/kstates-2m-grant-will-link-job-training-land-restoration-economic-development-in-eky/) - [Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Initiative overview](https://www.arc.gov/grants-and-opportunities/power/) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Lane Report (KY Business), enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://www.lanereport.com/188310/2026/07/kstates-2m-grant-will-link-job-training-land-restoration-economic-development-in-eky/.