CONGRESSMAN ROGERS, SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS AND 1 CLAY COUNTY ANNOUNCES MAJOR RENOVATION PROJECTS FOR DOWNTOWN MANCHESTER
MANCHESTER, KY (November 7, 2023) – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05), Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), and members of 1 Clay County (1CC) announced a comprehensive plan to renovate Downtown Manchester that will boost economic development, tourism, healthcare, and education. 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.
“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.”
Today’s announcements included the development of the Downtown Manchester Marketplace, THE Elk Mountain Trailhead, and the arrival of a new distillery.
“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.
Total investment in these projects, including private funds, is expected to exceed $20 million.
“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 live stream of yesterday’s announcement can be found here.
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Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee. President Stivers is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission Committee. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Senate standing committees on Education and Judiciary. During the 2023 interim, Stivers is a Task Force on Local Government Taxation member.