HOPKINS CO., KY (WFIE) -
There's big news in the small city of Mortons Gap on Monday.
Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson presented the town with a million dollar check, which the city plans to use to build homes for residents.
"I'm holding a check for a million dollars," said Mortons Gap Mayor Frank Stafford.
Mayor Stafford held that check in his lap all Monday afternoon.
In a town of 1,000 people, a million dollars goes a long way.
"It's a big deal, big deal, and I'm tickled to death to be a part of it," said Mayor Stafford.
The money is provided by Federal Community Development Block Grants.
City officials plan to use it to build 11 new homes in Mortons Gap, and possibly, a 12th house if money is left over.
"We have been blessed for a second time with a one million dollar check," said resident Phyllis Winders-Bowman.
Winders-Bowman grew up in Mortons Gap, and remembers when the town received a million dollars just three years ago. In 2008, the city built 12 new homes.
"It's important to have affordable housing for the citizens, and it also plays a role in economic development. As new businesses look to expand in this area and locate to this area, one thing that they do look at is the quality of life," said the Assistant Director of Pennyrile Housing Corporation Jason Vincent.
City officials say homeowners have been selected and they will only have to keep up with property taxes and insurance.
Winders-Bowman says with many struggling coal miners and their families in town, this boost means much more than the walls it will raise.
"This will give some kind of hope for everyone. That we've got to turn the corner, make this a better place and it will build morale," said Winders-Bowman.
City officials say residents that were chosen had to met specialized criteria. Construction is slated to begin soon.
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