Issue In 1809, in LaRue County, Kentucky, an infant was born who would one day go on to change the course of our nation’s history. Abraham Lincoln’s life story begins in LaRue County and rightfully so, the City of Hodgenville and Larue County have joined together to seek support to commemorate the 200th anniversary of his birth and to tell the story of his journey from the log cabin in Kentucky to the White House in our nation’s capital.
On February 12, 2005, LaRue County Judge Executive Tommy Turner, who serves on the National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, announced that on February 12, 2008, Hodgenville and LaRue County would host the Opening Ceremonies for the national two-year celebration of the Lincoln Bicentennial. The community accepted this task with great honor and pride while also realizing the need for help as the community is expected to have a great influx of visitors and dignitaries during this time.
Realizing the needs for improvements for items such as the Lincoln Museum, Hodgenville Entry Corridor, Downtown revitalization projects, Lincoln Heritage Center and Visitor’s Center, and National Park System improvements, Judge Executive Tommy Turner turned to Roll Call Strategies, LLC founded by John T. McCarthy, III for help.
Action McCarthy Strategic Solutions, LLC began working with both State and Federal leaders to seek funding support for the City of Hodgenville and LaRue County. With an estimated budget of $14,000,000 in projects necessary to host the Opening Ceremonies in February 2008, McCarthy Strategic Solutions, LLC began to look at every option available to the city and county. McCarthy Strategic Solutions, LLC helped develop a plan of action and coordinated meetings with Senator Jim Bunning and other members of the Federal Delegation to inform them of the importance of this project; while also seeking funds from state appropriations, federal grants, and monies from the Governor’s Office of Local Development (GOLD).
Result To date, by seeking support from the Federal Delegation of Kentucky, specifically U.S. Senator Jim Bunning, McCarthy Strategic Solutions, LLC has helped secure $3.5 million for the Abraham Lincoln Project in LaRue County from the Federal Highway Administration. McCarthy Strategic Solutions, LLC will continue to seek funds by working with the Federal Delegation, State legislators and the Commissioner of GOLD to explore every possibility of funding for LaRue County and the City of Hodgenville to ensure a successful event that will make Kentucky proud.