Caldwell County will receive just over $121,000 in tobacco settlement funds from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.
According to a news release, State Representative Walker Thomas—who represents Caldwell, along with Trigg County and a portion of Christian County—reported that $10,000 of that amount will go to the Youth Agricultural Incentives Program, to encourage youth to explore ag. opportunities.
The remaining funds will be for the County Ag. Investment Program, with provides Kentucky producers with cost-share assistance on practices to allow them to improve and diversify their farm operations.
Funding is derived from the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement Fund, which was created as a result of the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement between four major tobacco product manufacturers and 46 states. After the settlement, the General Assembly established the guidelines for the distribution and investment of funds received from the settlement.
Representative Thomas says, “I am pleased to report that Caldwell County has been approved for a total of $121,697 in funding from the KADF. I would like to thank the KADB for approving this funding for Caldwell County. I look forward to seeing how these funds will benefit the next generation and advance the agricultural industry.”