Funds are helping develop an industrial site and improve outdoor spaces

HARTFORD, KY - On May 28, 2024, Gov. Andy Beshear announced $635,180 in grant funds to benefit Ohio County. The funding will allow upgrades to the Bluegrass Crossings Business Centre, an industrial park, as well as improvements to two parks in the county.

“We are making investments across Kentucky, ensuring that the economic win streak we are seeing reaches every family and every community,” said Gov Beshear. “The funding we announced today will bring new growth and opportunities to the people of Ohio County.”

“These investments are bringing jobs here, which adds to the economy of our county,” said Ohio County Judge/Executive David Johnston. “The Governor and the state General Assembly have been very good to us here. It means a lot to us to have these jobs and to have this economic impact on our community.”

Product Development Initiative
Gov. Beshear announced that $522,500 is going to the Ohio County Fiscal Court to upgrade the Bluegrass Crossings Business Centre.

In 2023, the Western Kentucky Distilling Company opened in the Bluegrass Crossings Business Centre – a $30 million investment, creating 35 jobs.

The funds announced today are coming from the Kentucky Product Development Initiative and the Pilot Product Development Initiative programs.

Improvements to Outdoor Spaces
Gov. Beshear announced he has selected two communities in Ohio County for funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund:

- Centertown would use $25,000 to add swing sets, a pavilion and walking trails to the city park; and

- Hartford would use $87,680 to install playground equipment, resurface a basketball court and renovate two baseball fields at Ellis Park.

These projects will now go to the National Park Service for review at the federal level.