Critical Analysis - Andrew McNeill on Empty Promises Made by Frankfort Towards Eastern Kentucky
SOAR Initiative Continues Economic Revitalization Efforts in Eastern Kentucky
The Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) initiative, active since mid-2025, remains a vital force in Eastern Kentucky, working towards economic revitalization across 54 Appalachian Regional Commission counties. The nonprofit organisation is addressing long-standing challenges such as population decline following the coal industry downturn [1][3].
While updates on the progress and completion status of the Mountain Parkway expansion are not explicitly available [2], SOAR's broad mission includes infrastructure improvements. The organisation's emphasis on innovation, digital workforce development, and technology adoption, including Artificial Intelligence, suggests a focus on high-speed internet [5].
SOAR's ongoing summits and partnerships aim to leverage technology, workforce development, and regional assets to create opportunity. These events are designed to catalyse economic growth, attract investment, and foster new industries in the region [1][3][5]. The presence of notable speakers and a broad agenda indicates active engagement and effectiveness in networking and driving strategic conversations on economic opportunities.
Despite the challenges faced by the region, there are signs of progress. The government's investment in SOAR-related projects, coupled with private sector and local co-operative investments, is providing new opportunities for high-speed internet access, enabling remote work [4]. However, the Kentucky Wired project, initially intended to provide high-speed internet, has been criticised as a fiasco and the largest waste of money in the state's history [6].
Economic development strategies in the region include Gov. Andy Beshear's aim to build "America's AgriTech capital in Kentucky" [7]. The region's tourism potential is also being realised, with Pikeville's downtown thriving due to a university and major medical center [8].
For more information about the SOAR initiative and its impact on Eastern Kentucky, please contact Andrew McNeill at [email protected] [9].
References:
- SOAR's mission and impact
- Mountain Parkway expansion updates
- SOAR's work in economic development
- High-speed internet access in Eastern Kentucky
- SOAR's focus on innovation and technology
- Kentucky Wired project criticisms
- Gov. Andy Beshear's economic development strategy
- Pikeville's thriving downtown
- Contact information for SOAR source
- The SOAR initiative in Eastern Kentucky is focused not just on economic revitalization, but also on education-and-self-development and career-development, with a goal to improve the region's workforce.
- Alongside education, the government's policy-and-legislation plays a significant role in the SOAR initiative, as funding and support is essential for the development of infrastructure, transportation, and the technology sector.
- Recently, there has been an increased focus on the development of the region's industry, with the government's pro-industry stance supporting new business growth and job creation.
- As part of its efforts to attract investment and foster new industries, SOAR continues to hold summits and forge partnerships with various sectors, including finance and technology, to identify strategic opportunities for economic growth.
- One of the key aspects of SOAR's focus is the adoption of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence and high-speed internet, which are crucial for general-news dissemination, online education, and remote work opportunities.
- Despite setbacks, such as the criticisms faced by the Kentucky Wired project, the government, private sector, and local cooperatives remain committed to investing in high-speed internet infrastructure to enable a thriving digital economy.
- Moving forward, the SOAR initiative aims to create an integrated environment that encourages growth in both education and industry, leveraging Eastern Kentucky's unique assets to foster sustainable development.
