WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced Thursday that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Community Services has approved a $600,000 grant for the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED) to create 40 jobs in Cumberland.

SKED will utilize these funds to execute and oversee a business expansion and equipment purchase loan to Southeastern Kentucky Rehabilitation Industries, Inc (SEKRI).

“This is great news for the working families of Harlan County,” said Rogers. “These funds will go a long way toward putting people back to work and helping families in these challenging economic times. SEKRI is a local success story and with these funds this locally-focused enterprise will receive the financing and technical assistance necessary to grow, compete and perform at the highest level. When given the chance, our businesses and our hardworking people can produce top quality goods and services. SKED has done it again.”

SEKRI is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to provide personnel, facilities and services for persons with disabilities, enabling them to obtain and maintain meaningful employment opportunities. SEKRI manufactures clothing for the U.S. military and have annual sales exceeding $35,000,000.