FRANKFORT, KY (May 21, 2008) –  Gov. Steve Beshear, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD), has announced the approval of a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the construction of a new health department in the city of LaCenter in Ballard County. 

This grant, in addition to other local and state funds, will be used to purchase land to construct a proposed 4,000 sq. ft. building to consolidate the existing health department operations and expand services to the community.  The facility will enable the health department staff to more efficiently provide core medical services as well as expand their community education and preventative health courses. 

The new, expanded facility will meet the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as the privacy and security requirements as outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).  Adequate parking, additional office and storage space, a lab and three exam rooms are included in the plan.

Maintenance for Ballard County’s existing health department has become costly and difficult with substandard wiring, foundation deterioration and water damage.  Space limitations have also forced staff members to convert clinic rooms for storage.  At times, there are not enough exam rooms available to accommodate the patient load. 

Kentucky’s U. S. Congressional leaders’ continued support of the CDBG program has made the funding available nationally as well as within the commonwealth.  The state’s CDBG program is managed by GOLD and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Approved grants are used to assist counties and cities in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services.