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By: Amy Charles | October 18, 2024
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $5 million grant from the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program to begin phase 1 construction of the university’s Bear Mountain. During the annual SOAR Summit, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) awarded several million dollars in AMLER Program funds for economic development projects to benefit many Eastern Kentucky counties.
The $5 million grant will jumpstart this phase, though additional fundraising will be essential to complete the project. In addition to the $8.7 million that was awarded from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, total funding received for Bear Mountain exceeds $15 million.
With 50 percent of UPIKE’s undergraduate students actively participating in various sports, the vision for Bear Mountain is on the cusp of becoming a reality. The first phase will see the construction of a new football stadium, complete with a press box, bleachers, a turf field, a scoreboard, and ample parking.
“The funding from AMLER represents more than just financial support—it’s a transformative investment in the future of our university and the surrounding community. With the creation of Bear Mountain, we are building a legacy of innovation and opportunity that will benefit generations to come,” said UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D. “This initiative will not only elevate UPIKE as a leader in creating an environment of wellness and recreation, but it will also ignite economic growth and enhance the quality of life for the entire region. Bear Mountain is a testament to our commitment to leaving a lasting impact, both for our students and for the people of Eastern Kentucky.”
The AMLER program aims to investigate and implement strategies to repurpose legacy coal mining sites for productive use, focusing on economic and community development. It promotes local investment opportunities that ensure the sustainable long-term recovery of coalfield economies.