MANCHESTER, KY – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05), Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester) and members of 1 Clay County (1CC) on Monday, November 6, 2023 announced a comprehensive plan to renovate Downtown Manchester that will boost economic development, tourism, healthcare and education.
Monday’s announcements included the development of the Elk Mountain Trailhead, a Downtown Manchester Marketplace, and the arrival of a new distillery. The projects will be supported with federal, state, local, and private investments, including $4.25 million in state funds, and a $2.2 million federal earmark secured by Congressman Rogers. Total investment in these projects is expected to exceed $20 million.
“There is strength in unity, and these projects are evidence of our united mission to make the City of Manchester a better place to live for generations to come,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “I was honored to secure a $2.2 million federal earmark for the new Downtown Manchester Marketplace, which will be the centerpiece of these exciting changes for Clay County.”
“Thank you to Congressman Hal Rogers, our current Mayor Stevie Collins, former Mayor James Ed Garrison, and the entire 1CC working group because they volunteer so much of their time to make this all happen,” Senate President Stivers said.
“After two years and 2,500 volunteer hours committed by the members of 1CC, I’m delighted we were able to gather today to show the Manchester community what we have worked so hard to develop, and I cannot wait to see the impact these projects will have on Clay County,” said Jennifer Hancock, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Mid-States and 1CC Secretary/Treasurer.
Founded in January 2022, 1CC is a diverse group of community leaders who collaborate with the goal of revitalizing Clay County and Manchester through community development, entrepreneurship and tourism. The vision of 1CC is to transform the downtown area, including Main Street and Bridge Street, into a bustling hub of commerce, tourism, and entertainment. With funding from federal and state government and private investors, 1CC is making strategic decisions to position the county for tremendous growth and new development.
A livestream of today’s announcement can be found HERE.
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