HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 16 projects have been approved throughout Kentucky to receive state funding through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative. This includes a significant amount of money toward development in Christian County.

A news release from the governor’s office says the chosen projects will support future job growth and investment across 18 counties in the commonwealth totaling over $12.4 million in state funding to improve Kentucky’s available sites.

$1.7 million was granted to Christian County through the initiative. This will help the Hopkinsville Industrial Foundation conduct infrastructure improvements at Commerce Park II, which is an over 1,000-acre rail site in the county. Cinis Fertilizer, Ascend Elements and Kitchen Food Company are currently in development here.

According to the Southwestern Kentucky Economic Development Council, this property is designed for large-scale industrial projects or multi-tenant development. It is located between I-24 and I-69, coupled with rail access via the CSX Mainline Railroad.

More about KPDI

The Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI), provides funding for local communities to boost investment in site and building upgrades to support future, well-paying jobs and economic growth across the commonwealth, says the governor’s office. This month’s approvals include projects that will receive funding through the KPDI Program of 2024, as well as projects that will benefit from recaptured funds tied to the KPDI Program of 2022.

“Kentucky continues to lead on investing in site and building development initiatives, laying the groundwork for continued economic momentum and future job opportunities,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our speed-to-market efforts are one of many business-friendly elements that separate the commonwealth from its competitors, and why businesses continue to choose this great state to locate, expand and invest in. Congratulations to these 18 communities on their approvals.”

Currently, $35 million is available for projects entering the due diligence stage in the latest round of KPDI. The initiative is a collaboration between the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED).

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