Gov. Beshear Announces Kentucky’s Largest Build-Ready Site in Western Kentucky as Site Development Initiatives Grow
4-Star Regional Industrial Park positions Henderson, McLean, Union and Webster counties for new investments and jobs
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 15, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted continued momentum of the commonwealth’s site development efforts as he announced a new regional Build-Ready location in Henderson County, positioning the area for future economic success and job creation.
The new Build-Ready site, located in the 4-Star Regional Industrial Park in Robards, adds to the state’s growing list of properties certified by the Cabinet for Economic Development as Build-Ready and offers the largest graded Build-Ready-certified building pad in the commonwealth at over 1.1 million square feet. It is a regional project with support from Henderson, McLean, Union and Webster counties. The site was also previously approved in June 2023 for $1.4 million in state funding through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative to complete a site grading plan at the site.
“Our state’s Build-Ready program has grown significantly over the last several years, and I’m excited to see that momentum continue in Henderson County as we announce the largest Build-Ready site in the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “One of the biggest draws to Kentucky for growing companies is our commitment to site development, and a collaboration like this in Western Kentucky is a prime example of what makes Team Kentucky great. I want to congratulate Henderson County on its new Build-Ready site and look forward to what new investment and job creation it will bring to Kentucky.”
The site includes over 100 acres zoned for heavy industrial use, the largest graded Build-Ready site in the state at more than 1.1 million square feet and an additional 150,000-square-foot graded building pad. Utilities include a four-inch gas line, 10-inch sewer line and 18-inch waterline. The property includes electric service provided by Kenergy Corp. and natural gas provided by Atmos Energy Corp. and Texas Gas Transmission Corp. The site is also serviced with fiber for telecommunications.
Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider spoke on the significance of the project: “The new Build-Ready pad at 4-Star Industrial Park is truly a huge step forward for all four counties as we seek the next company to call Northwest Kentucky its new home. A huge thanks to the 4-Star Board of Directors, the team at Henderson Economic Development, Hazex Construction and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development for forming the partnership that brought this project to fruition. I am certain we’ll see the ultimate benefit of this effort very soon.”
McLean County Judge/Executive Curtis Dame mentioned the economic success the site will bring: “McLean County’s recent economic development successes are a testament to the power of cooperation and teamwork. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the 4-Star Regional partnership, working together to create a thriving and prosperous economic opportunity for our region. Together, we, as a region, can accomplish much!”
Webster County Judge/Executive Steve Henry explained the large scope of the project: “Because of the efforts of the 4-Star Board of Directors and staff, this site has ascended to one of Kentucky’s most premier economic development locations. As the work progresses toward the new I-69 bridge, a site this size will only garner more national attention. It’s time now for Western Kentucky to have the same exposure to growth that we have seen in other areas of Kentucky.”
Henderson Economic Development Executive Director Missy Vanderpool thanked the entities that brought the site to fruition: “The completion of this project was truly a collaborative effort. Thank you to the 4-Star Board of Directors, Hazex, MSE Engineering, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and the Fiscal Courts of Henderson, Union, Webster and McLean counties. This site, featuring an impressive 1,162,500-square-foot Build-Ready pad, offers unparalleled opportunities for industrial development. Its proactive preparation eliminates many hurdles and accelerates project timelines, making it an ideal location for companies looking to expand or establish new operations. We are thrilled to offer this prime location to prospective companies and look forward to the economic growth and job creation it will bring to our region. This development reaffirms Northwest Kentucky’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and supporting industrial growth.”
With a Build-Ready site, much of the work – aside from construction – has already been completed. That includes controlling the land to be developed, completing archaeological, environmental and geotechnical studies, constructing a building pad, finishing preliminary design work, obtaining approved site plan permits and putting necessary infrastructure in place. On a Build-Ready site, construction can begin immediately.
To be certified as Build-Ready, a site must include a pad that can accommodate a building of 50,000 square feet, with the ability to expand to 100,000 square feet or more, and utilities extending to the site. Applicants – usually a city, county or economic development group – must have previously filed the necessary permits, as well as preliminary building plans, cost estimates and schedule projections. Applicants also are asked to provide a rendering of a potential building for the site.
Including the new site in Henderson County, the commonwealth is home to 23 available Build-Ready sites. Multiple other locations across the state are currently working toward certification.
To date, 12 former Build-Ready-certified sites – including tracts located in Barren, Butler, Christian, Graves, Hart, Laurel and Pulaski counties and five sites in Warren County – have been selected by companies for new location projects, allowing companies to bring their operations online in a cost-efficient manner while creating jobs for local Kentuckians.
The new Build-Ready site in Henderson County builds on the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling nearly $32 billion in announced investments, creating nearly 55,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. The average incentivized hourly wage in 2022 and 2023 topped $26 in consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and INFAC North America’s $53 million investment in Taylor County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund, as well as the most jobs filled in state history. Last year, Kentucky set the record for the longest period with the lowest unemployment rates in state history.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s Investors Service upgraded Kentucky’s credit outlook from stable to positive.
In March, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky third nationally and first in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2023 Governor’s Cup rankings. In April, Site Selection placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and in the top 10 nationally in its 2024 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Gov. Beshear announced a “Supply Kentucky” initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies.
For more information on Build-Ready sites in Kentucky, visit CED.ky.gov/BuildReady.
A detailed community profile for Henderson County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
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Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Programs Powering Skills Training for More Than 4,000 Kentuckians
Workforce funding builds on support for 42,600 trainees in fiscal year 2024, the most in 8 years
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 15, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted progress in the commonwealth’s mission of maintaining, developing and retaining its world-class workforce, further bolstering Kentucky’s surging economy.
Over 4,000 Kentuckians are expected to receive skills training thanks to support provided through the Bluegrass State Skills Corp. (BSSC), which oversees programs attached to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development that help private-sector businesses establish industry-specific training initiatives.
“We have a world-class workforce here in Kentucky, and we are working hard to ensure the commonwealth develops and retains highly skilled workers for generations to come,” said Gov. Beshear. “To sustain our tremendous economic momentum, it’s crucial that we look to connect Kentucky workers with skills training opportunities at every turn. Equipping our residents with the tools they need to thrive is a core part of our mission to build a better Kentucky, and we are making great headway thanks to initiatives like BSSC.”
This month’s approvals included workforce training support for over 1,100 employees at T.J. Samson Community Hospital in Glasgow and an additional 113 trainees at T.J. Health Columbia. Other approvals include 115 trainees for Murakami Manufacturing USA in Campbellsville, 293 trainees at Roll Forming Corp. in Shelbyville, 565 workers at Sazerac Distillers in Owensboro, 108 trainees at AGC Flat Glass North America in Richmond and 197 workers at Novelis Corp. in Guthrie.
In fiscal year 2024, the BSSC board of directors approved roughly $19 million in funds and credits for 104 Kentucky facilities to train 42,600-plus workers, the most since 2016.
Building on that momentum, the BSSC board approved more than $1.7 million in training funds and credits for over 4,000 trainees across 26 Kentucky facilities during the first of four fiscal year 2025 meetings on Aug. 7.
Gov. Beshear previously announced over $10 million for 115 applicants throughout the state to train nearly 35,000 workers for fiscal year 2023. The state also provided over $8.4 million in funds and credits during fiscal year 2022. Those funds assisted with workforce training for more than 35,400 Kentucky employees.
Employers across the state benefit from BSSC’s Grant-in-Aid (GIA) and Skills Training Investment Credit (STIC) programs. GIA provides cash reimbursements for occupational and skills upgrade training at Kentucky businesses, while STIC offers state income tax credits for companies to offset the costs for approved training programs. Applications for both programs are accepted and considered for approval by the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation Board of Directors.
Types of operations that could qualify for BSSC incentives include manufacturing, agribusiness, nonretail service or technology, headquarters operations, state-licensed hospital operations, coal severing and processing, alternative fuel, gasification, renewable energy production or carbon dioxide transmission pipelines.
For more information on the Bluegrass State Skills Corp. or to apply for workforce training assistance, visit ced.ky.gov/BSSC.
Kentucky’s investment in workforce development builds on the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling nearly $32 billion in announced investments, creating nearly 55,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. The average incentivized hourly wage in 2022 and 2023 topped $26 in consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and INFAC North America’s $53 million investment in Taylor County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund, as well as the most jobs filled in state history. Last year, Kentucky set the record for the longest period with the lowest unemployment rates in state history.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s Investors Service upgraded Kentucky’s credit outlook from stable to positive.
In March, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky third nationally and first in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2023 Governor’s Cup rankings. In April, Site Selection placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and in the top 10 nationally in its 2024 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Gov. Beshear announced a “Supply Kentucky” initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
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Gov. Beshear Announces More Than $23 Million in Funds To Assist Communities Affected by 2022 Eastern Kentucky Flooding
SAFE Fund established by Gov. Beshear and the General Assembly in August 2022
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 15, 2024) – Today, as part of his commitment to be with Eastern Kentucky flood survivors until every home and every life is rebuilt, Gov. Andy Beshear awarded more than $23 million to six cities, seven counties and one school board in communities affected by the devastating floods of 2022.
This funding comes from the Eastern Kentucky State Aid for Emergencies (SAFE) Fund established by Gov. Beshear and the General Assembly in August 2022.
“When I first visited after the floods, I made a promise that we would be with these families for as long as it took for them to recover,” Gov. Beshear said. “Less than a month after the floods, I called for a special legislative session to help speed up relief for Eastern Kentucky. I was proud to work with the legislature to establish the $212 million Eastern Kentucky SAFE Fund. Since then, we’ve been using this funding to help communities recover, and I’m excited to announce even more of these awards today.”
The awards will help the local governments and school board recover from financial strains caused by the natural disaster. The award amounts are based on requests by each entity and verified by the Department for Local Government for cities and counties and by the Kentucky Department of Education for the school district.
The Governor announced that:
- The city of Beattyville in Lee County will receive $350,000;
- The city of Booneville in Owsley County will receive $325,000;.
- Breathitt County will receive $3 million;
- The Breathitt County Board of Education will receive $3,316,777;
- The city of Buckhorn in Perry County will receive $500,000;
- The city of Fleming-Neon in Letcher County will receive $350,000;
- Floyd County will receive $2.5 million;
- The city of Hindman in Knott County will receive $750,000;
- The city of Jackson in Breathitt County will receive $400,000;
- Knott County will receive $250,000;
- Lee County will receive $869,319;
- Letcher County will receive $5,468,401;
- Owsley County will receive $350,000; and
- Perry County will receive $5 million.
“I would like to thank the Governor for the Eastern Kentucky SAFE award,” said Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams. “This award will help us to recover from the devastating floods that hit Eastern Kentucky in July of 2022. My office and staff are working daily to help our residents to get their lives back on track and this funding will help us to achieve our goal. Thank you, Gov. Beshear and Team Kentucky, for your continued support.”
“What an awesome job the Governor and our legislators have done with the Eastern Kentucky SAFE Funds,” said Perry County Judge/Executive Scott Alexander. “We could not have made it through this disaster without these critical funds. I want to give a huge thank you to Gov. Beshear, Rep. Chris Fugate and the General Assembly.”
“Thank you for this funding,” said Breathitt County Judge/Executive Jeff Noble. “After the 2022 floods, this is just a sigh of relief for everybody who lives in this area.”
Eastern Kentucky Flood Recovery
On July 25, Gov. Beshear provided an update on flood recovery as the state approached the two-year anniversary of the storms. To learn more, see the full release. On July 26, Gov. Beshear visited Wayland in Floyd County, Leburn and Hindman in Knott County, Hazard in Perry County and Jackson in Breathitt County to celebrate new homes and announce progress on high-ground communities.
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Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 15, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development; funding awards to support Eastern Kentucky communities recovering from flooding; an improvement project for Kentucky Highway 15 in Breathitt County; and ongoing efforts to support Kentuckians affected by recent disasters. The Governor also named fencer and three-time Olympic gold medalist Lee Kiefer as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.
Economic Development
Gov. Beshear congratulated leaders from Lotte Aluminium Materials USA as they have started hiring Kentucky workers to fill 122 full-time jobs in Elizabethtown. In 2022, the company announced plans to locate an aluminum foil manufacturing operation in Hardin County with a $238.7 million investment. Production manager Germain Smith attended today’s news conference and spoke about the company’s success in Kentucky.
The Governor recapped his announcement that over 4,000 Kentuckians are expected to receive skills training thanks to support provided through the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation, which oversees programs attached to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development that help private-sector businesses establish industry-specific training initiatives. Novelis Corp. in Guthrie is one of the companies receiving workforce training support, and plant manager Tom Lilienthal also attended Thursday’s conference and spoke about the positive effects this funding will have on the company.
The Governor highlighted continued momentum in the commonwealth’s site development and speed-to-market efforts with the announcement of a new Build-Ready location in Rowan County, positioning the community for future investment and job creation.
Gov. Beshear also announced a new Build-Ready location in Henderson County, marking the largest Build-Ready site in the commonwealth.
The Governor announced six innovative Kentucky companies will receive nearly $650,000 in state matching grants to support high-paying jobs and further grow the state’s thriving industries through the commonwealth’s nationally recognized Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Matching Funds program.
Gov. Beshear highlighted Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman’s visit last week with local officials and leaders from Jackson Purchase Distillery, a startup bourbon producer, to celebrate and cut the ribbon on a new rickhouse at the company’s distilling operation in Fulton County. The $10 million investment adds to the company’s $26 million expansion project announced in October 2022 that is creating 54 full-time jobs.
Eastern Kentucky State Aid for Emergencies Fund Awards
Gov. Beshear awarded more than $23 million to six cities, seven counties and one school board in Eastern Kentucky communities affected by the devastating 2022 floods. These dollars come from the Eastern Kentucky State Aid for Emergencies Fund, established by Gov. Beshear and the General Assembly in August 2022.
Breathitt County Judge/Executive Jeff Noble, Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams, Perry County Judge/Executive Scott Alexander and Letcher County Judge/Executive Terry Adams joined the Team Kentucky Update to talk about what the funding means for their communities. For a full list of awards, see the full release.
Project to Improve KY 15 in Breathitt County
The Governor announced that a nearly $50 million highway improvement project is underway to bring much-anticipated improvements to KY 15, a heavily traveled state highway corridor in Breathitt County. The project will add lanes and sidewalks to a busy stretch of the corridor within the city limits of Jackson. It also will further strengthen and stabilize the dam that holds Panbowl Lake.
Update on Severe Weather Recovery
Gov. Beshear provided an update on ongoing efforts to support those affected by severe weather in the commonwealth, including storms over Memorial Day weekend and the 4th of July holiday.
Currently, 74 Kentuckians are receiving shelter through the Commonwealth Sheltering Program. They are staying in 22 travel trailers and one hotel, spread across locations that include Pennyrile State Park, Western Kentucky RV Park and Mine Made Adventure Park, as well as various private sites.
Kentucky Emergency Management has relaunched the Disaster Needs Portal, an online resource for those seeking emergency shelter, as well as families who need to register for assistance and meet other unmet needs. Those in need can register online by visiting tinyurl.com/kyemdisastersurvey, calling 502-607-6665 or in person at any disaster recovery center.
As of Aug. 14, FEMA had disbursed over $1.3 million in Individual Assistance funds to 883 survivors across 15 counties affected by the Memorial Day weekend storms. The Governor urged those who believe they were wrongly determined ineligible to appeal. You can apply for assistance or file an appeal online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, by phone by calling 800-621-3362, in person at any Disaster Recovery Center or via the FEMA mobile app.
The Governor also recapped his announcement that the state will accept applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from individuals in 15 counties who are out of work as a result of the severe storms in Kentucky on May 21-27, 2024. The deadline to apply is Oct. 9.
Team Kentucky has established Disaster Recovery Centers across the commonwealth to provide in-person assistance to families in need. The centers are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. See the full list of centers.
Team Kentucky All-Star
Gov. Beshear recognized Olympic fencer Lee Kiefer as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star. Kiefer, who grew up in Lexington, won her second consecutive gold medal in individual foil at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She also won gold in team foil, making her the first American fencer in history to have three Olympic gold medals.
“Lee, you have made the commonwealth – and all of America – so proud,” said Gov. Beshear. “Congratulations on your well-deserved achievements. I am more than happy to name you this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.”
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