CHRISTIAN COUNTY, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Christian County Fiscal Court took additional steps toward investing $17 million to purchase Commerce Park II from the Hopkinsville Industrial Foundation.

During the Sept. 22 meeting, magistrates approved a resolution that moves forward their loan application with the state in order to have more control over incoming industries. Commerce Park II is described by the South Western Economic Development Council as a 1,000-acre rail mega site off of John Rivers Road in southern Christian County.

The resolution states that the Christian County Judge Executive is authorized to execute all documents necessary to obtain and close the $17 million interest-free commonwealth loan. As discussed during this fiscal year’s budget address, the funding is from the Kentucky State Budget Reserve Trust Fund as part of House Bill 900.

Through this process, the fiscal court would have 10 years to pay off the loan through Planters Bank, although an extension may be possible up to an additional 10 years if approved by the Cabinet.

The fiscal court will sell the parceled land for the purpose of industrial development to both create jobs and expand Christian County’s tax base. The dept will be repaid as the land is sold. Gilliam previously stated that before this purchase process they had little say in what industry came to the area. He has been working closely with the Secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Jeff Noel throughout this process.

“I appreciate his willingness to really ensure that we’re getting an opportunity to do the right thing here for future job growth, and I’m excited that it’s turning out how like it is,” said Gilliam.

Before the resolution was approved, Magistrate Phillip Peterson emphasized that this is unrelated to the unfinished Ascend Elements facility, and these funds will not be used for the building in any capacity. He said, “I would like to clarify that this has nothing to do with the Ascend building, this has nothing to do with making any payments. We don’t own that building we have nothing to do with that building.”

The resolution was unanimously approved at the meeting and was signed by Gilliam.

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