The 2025 SOAR Summit concluded in Corbin last Friday with a keynote plenary led by Governor Andy Beshear and U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers, who joined regional leaders in honoring first responders and volunteers for their work in May’s tornado recovery, while also announcing this year’s AMLER award recipients.
SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region) Executive Director Colby Hall invited representatives from London, Pulaski, and surrounding counties onto the stage to be recognized. He noted that more than 200 people from across the country came to Laurel County’s aid in the days following the disaster.
London and Laurel County officials in attendance were officers from the sheriff’s department, firefighters, local leaders, and more that helped in providing relief to the hard hit areas from the May tornado.
“What a great way to start the morning, saying thank you to these heroes and their important work in helping us rebuild from these tragedies,” Hall said. “But, we are going to build back stronger than ever before.”
Governor Beshear followed with remarks praising the resilience of Eastern Kentuckians, particularly those who endured the May tornado and past disasters like the 2022 floods.
“After natural disasters, we see that people at their core are good,” Beshear said. “We see God in the strength, the kindness, and the love in Kentuckians.”
He turned his remarks toward the progress being made through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program, which has provided millions of dollars to communities impacted by historic coal mining.
Beshear highlighted completed projects, including waterline replacements in Hazard, wastewater upgrades in Jenkins, and expansions at the Appalachian Valley Autism Center in Floyd County.
Approximately 15 new AMLER awards were announced during the plenary. Among those award presentations was funding towards facilities in London and Laurel County.
Somerset Community College’s Laurel County campus received $6 million toward the construction of a new career and technical education training complex to support programs in construction, HVAC, and other trades.
SCC Laurel Campus sits on property once owned by the Interstate Coal Company, where coal trucks once lined the roads. The transformation of this historic site into a hub for technical education symbolizes both the region’s resilience and its shift toward new economic opportunities.
SCC President Dr. Carey Castle expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized the transformational impact of the project.
“We are deeply grateful to Congressman Rogers, Senator Mitch McConnell and Governor Beshear for their support in awarding Somerset Community College the AMLER grant,” Dr. Castle stated. “This funding allows us to enhance our programs with state-of-the-art equipment and furnishings for the new Technology Building set to break ground next year at our Laurel Campus in London. Our vision is for this facility to serve as a hub for business and industry in Southeast Kentucky, preparing future employees with training that not only meets but exceeds industry expectations. The new Technical Building will bring a new look to the historical Interstate Coal Company and a new pathway for the students and communities in our region.”
The AMLER grant will support Phase 4 of the $39 million CTE Complex project, which includes purchasing state-of-the-art trainers, tools, and furnishings for programs in Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Construction Technology, HVAC/Air Conditioning, Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology and Electrical/Electronic Technology.
Construction is slated to begin next year with the facility opening expected in 2027.
In other news, Saint Joseph London was awarded $650,000 to purchase a new CT scanner, expanding care for the 34,000 patients it serves annually.
The governor also highlighted statewide progress, including record-breaking tourism, a 30 percent decline in opioid-related deaths, and more than $42 billion in new investments since he took office. He announced plans to push for universal preschool for all Kentucky four-year-olds in the next legislative session, calling it a step toward strengthening both families and the workforce.
Congressman Rogers echoed the theme of resilience, praising the determination of Eastern Kentuckians and outlining nearly $150 million in federal funding requests for fiscal year 2026. His proposal includes support for first responders, infrastructure improvements, and recovery initiatives.
“Eastern Kentucky has proven once again that we are stronger than any storm we face,” Rogers said. “Our best resource has always been you, the Appalachian people.”
Both leaders credited SOAR for creating opportunities and bringing communities together.
Congressman Hal Rogers echoed the theme of resilience, praising the determination of Eastern Kentuckians and outlining nearly $150 million in federal funding requests for fiscal year 2026. His proposal includes support for first responders, infrastructure improvements, and recovery initiatives.
“Eastern Kentucky has proven once again that we are stronger than any storm we face,” Rogers said. “Our best resource has always been you — the Appalachian people.”
Both leaders credited SOAR for creating opportunities and bringing communities together. The plenary closed with Beshear’s call for compassion and unity.
“Life is short,” he said. “Our job is to do good things, and to be kind to each other. I think that is what is seen every year at SOAR.”
For the full recording of the 2025 Officer Plenary Session and other events throughout the summit, visit the Shaping Our Appalachian Region Inc. (SOAR) Facebook page.