The Pennyrile Area Development District Board of Directors heard from the Kentucky Procurement Technical Assistance Center at Monday’s meeting and about how they serve the Commonwealth.
KYPTAC State Director Nancy Brown says the focus of the center is helping to provide businesses and agencies with the supplies and resources they need to succeed, while promoting inclusive economic development. They do coaching and training, and advocate to large companies on behalf of smaller entities to help them compete in the government space.
She says that several offices are already in place across the state, with a new one set to open in western Kentucky in the coming months. Their efforts are free of charge, since they are funded by government dollars.
PADD Executive Director Jason Vincent says there are several legislative bills they are keeping an eye on during this general assembly, including legislation dealing with the gas tax. John Maury with the Regional Transportation Committee says House Bill 561 sets a ‘floor’ for the gasoline tax, and would set fees for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Representative Melinda Prunty of Greenville, who represents Muhlenberg County and a portion of Hopkins County, told the board it’s hard for her to consider raising any taxes at the moment, even though she understands the transportation needs.
Hopkins County Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield says they continue to work on getting more western Kentucky cities signed on to be part of the Western Kentucky Coalition of Cities, all in an effort to make sure western Kentucky isn’t overlooked on its needs in the state government.