WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced Wednesday that it is awarding a $752,000 grant to the Martin County nonprofit Community at the Core Inc. in Debord.

The EDA stated in a press release that this grant will support the procurement of production equipment at a new apple sorting facility.

This EDA’s $752,000 will be matched with $188,000 in local funds and is expected to create 150 jobs, retain 100 jobs and generate $70 million in private investment, the release stated.

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo noted the EDA’s commitment to supporting community-driven recovery and resilience projects.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also remarked on the growth in the state’s agricultural sector and its significance to economic prosperity.

“Recently, we have seen amazing growth within our agriculture production industry, which is playing a major role in the commonwealth’s continued economic prosperity,” Beshear said. “I am excited to see how this incredible investment will continue to increase that momentum for Eastern Kentucky and the rest of our state.”

According to the press release, the project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Big Sandy Area Development District.

The project was funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration in calendar years 2021 and 2022.