UPIKE Awarded $5 Millon AMLER Grant

$5 mIllIon amlEr grant

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced the allocation of several million dollars in Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program funds for economic development projects to benefit many Eastern Kentucky counties. The University of Pikeville was awarded a $5 million grant from the AMLER program to support the construction of the university’s Bear Mountain.

This grant will jumpstart phase one, 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.”

Click here to view a 3D rendering of UPIKE's football and soccer stadiums.