 Southern and Eastern Kentuckians celebrated the 10th anniversary of PRIDE, their environmental cleanup and education campaign, at the Hal Rogers Center in Hazard on Aug. 28. The crowd applauded the cleanup results since 1997 and pledged to build on the momentum. They were buoyed by new state and federal funds announced by Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-5), PRIDE co-founder, and Governor Ernie Fletcher.
Rogers reported that since 1997, 7,227 homeowners have used PRIDE funding to install septic systems. Another 20,000 homes have been served by PRIDE-funded sewer projects. Local governments have cleaned up 2,452 illegal dumps. 486,392 students have participated in hands-on environmental learning projects, such as outdoor classrooms. 237,129 volunteers have contributed to PRIDE cleanup and education efforts.
Rogers congratulated and thanked the audience, as well as the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who could not attend. “We have accomplished more than any of us ever imagined,” he said. “Our hillsides are cleaner. Our rivers are healthier. Our students are better stewards. Our citizens are more likely to do the right thing with trash and wastewater. Our communities are more attractive to tourists, businesses and retirees.”
“It is my hope that you will re-commit yourselves to this campaign, with a new passion and vision for the role you will play in the next chapter of the PRIDE story,” Rogers continued. The audience raised their hands to show they accepted his challenge.
Rogers announced that $3 million has been appropriated in the federal budget to continue the PRIDE campaign. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will receive $2 million for the PRIDE Section 531 program to assist communities with sewer projects. Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, the nonprofit organization that coordinates the regional campaign, will receive $1 million to support local cleanup and education efforts.
Fletcher also announced Kentucky Department of Transportation funding for PRIDE. The grant will be used for roadside cleanup and beautification programs throughout the 38 county region. The programs will include judge-executives, mayors and other community leaders while also creating a stewardship opportunity for children.
The celebration featured awards for outstanding contributions to the environment through PRIDE. The award winners are listed below.- Unsung Hero Award: Friends of Lake Cumberland, Friends of Fish Trap Lake
- Decade of Difference Diamond Award: Lakis Mavinidis, Harlan County
- 2007 Elementary School Campus of the Year: Southside Elementary School (Lee County)
- 2007 Middle School Campus of the Year: Corbin Middle School
- 2007 High School Campus of the Year: Somerset High School
- 2007 College/Community Project of the Year: Somerset Community College
- 2007 Tony Turner Volunteer of the Year: Ken Kinder, Pike County
- 2007 Rogers-Bickford Environmental Leader: Jeffrey Thomas, Casey County, and Rodney Potter, Pike County (both posthumously)
- 2007 Kentucky PRIDE Award: Henry Hinkle, Hinkle Contracting Corporation
The PRIDE initiative was launched in 1997 by Rogers and the late James E. Bickford, who was the Secretary of the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet. PRIDE serves 38 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky. The organization links citizens with the resources of local, state and federal agencies to clean up the region’s waterways, end illegal trash dumps and promote environmental education and awareness. PRIDE is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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