News Releases from Region 04

Trump Administration to Support Community Revitalization in Frankfort, Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 7, 2019) — The Trump Administration has announced that Frankfort, Ky. is one of 15 communities selected to participate in Local Foods, Local Places (LFLP), a federal initiative that helps communities reinvest in existing neighborhoods and improve quality of life as they develop the local food economy. Through LFLP, a team of agricultural, environmental, public health and regional economic development experts will work directly with the city of Frankfort and other community leaders to determine the best location for its Franklin County Farmers Market to spur economic redevelopment.

“The City and the community as a whole are very supportive of our local farmers and Farmers Market, so we are very appreciative to the EPA for selecting Frankfort for the Local Foods, Local Places technical assistance,” said Frankfort Mayor William May.

This year, LFLP is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service, and the Northern Border Regional Commission. The 2019 Local Foods, Local Places communities were chosen from more than 70 applicants. Since its launch in 2014, LFLP has helped 93 communities across the country develop local food enterprises, such as farmers markets, community gardens and cooperative grocery stores, that improve environmental, economic, and health outcomes.

“EPA is proud to partner with USDA and the Northern Border Regional Commission to offer support to communities looking to develop their local food economy,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Support for local food initiatives can improve access to fresh foods, support farmers, grow new businesses, and protect the environment.” 

“EPA is pleased to help the Frankfort community with their plans to support revitalization while also improving health and protecting the environment,” said EPA Acting Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker.

The city of Frankfort is seeking assistance to determine the best location for their farmers market and assess the feasibility of creating a commercial kitchen to improve downtown foot traffic and spur revitalization. The city hopes to spur economic development and tourism, which will create jobs, grow the city’s tax base, support neighborhood revitalization, and expand the middle class.

For an update on 2018 LFLP projects: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/local-foods-local-places#2018

For more information on LFLP: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/local-foods-local-places