Innovative website assists military families affected by Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC 2005) for the Fort Knox, Kentucky region

Military families who are relocating to the Lincoln Trail Region in Central Kentucky now have a resource that will make it easier to find a home, job, church or school.

The Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD), working with the Lincoln Trail Workforce Investment Board has launched the Website www.oneknox.com to help families relocating to the region per recommendations from the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRACC).

The 2005 commission was initiated by President George W. Bush, pursuant to the U.S. Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act, to recommend military bases and installations that should be realigned or closed.

The commission thoroughly evaluates all base realignment and closures recommended by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. The BRAC process is used by the Department of Defense to reorganize its installation infrastructure to support its forces more efficiently and effectively, increase operational readiness and facilitate new ways of doing business.

Paid for with federal funds, OneKnox.com allows families to search within categories, such as government, employment, housing, religion, or resources specifically relating to soldiers in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. For those who may be unfamiliar with the region, general information on the region and each county is also available.

Brad Richardson, Executive Director of the newly developed One Knox organization, said “This project is important to the region because we have the opportunity to encourage as many as 1,000 civilians from the various groups impacted by BRAC to relocate to the Lincoln Trail region. One Knox.com serves as the resource for promoting all the communities in the Lincoln Trail and Greater Louisville area. People are already accessing the site from Alexandria VA, St. Louis MO, Indianapolis IN, Fort Monroe VA, and Fort McCoy WI. We’re getting excellent feedback from Human Resources Command regarding the quality of information and it’s usefulness for civilians that will potentially relocate here.”

Members of the Lincoln Trail Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and the newly created One Knox organization will also be traveling to locations around Kentucky that have units that are relocating to Fort Knox, providing information on the region.

Potential future residents and other interested parties can sign up for an electronic monthly newsletter at oneknox.com that will provide updated news and relevant information. The site was designed and implemented by the LeapFrog Interactive, an interactive marketing and advertising firm in Louisville.

About LTADD

Formed in 1968, the Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD) is a private institution that plans, promotes and sustains economic, social and natural, and human resources development. LTADD is a public, non-profit planning and development agency that serves eight central Kentucky counties - Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson and Washington. LTADD was created to provide a regional network for joint federal, state and local officials to provide the essentials for the betterment of our communities.

About The Lincoln Trail Workforce Investment Board

The Lincoln Trail WIB is the primary committee responsible for the implementation, planning, administration and oversight of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. The purpose of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is to provide the framework for a unique national workforce preparation and employment system designed to meet the needs of business and job seekers as well as those who to further their careers.

About LeapFrog Interactive

LeapFrog Interactive is a full-service interactive agency in Louisville, Ky. The company services clients in 28 states, including: Tommy Hilfiger, Comcast Cable, MeadWestvaco, National Public Radio, Pizza Hut, KFC, Aleris, and YUM! Brands International. Visit www.LeapFrogInteractive.com.