Harrodsburg, KY — Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) announced $2 million in federal funding for the Wilkinson Farm Mega Site Industrial Park Improvements, a transformative investment that will help Mercer County continue developing the Bluegrass Innovation Gateway and position the region to attract major employers and high-quality jobs. This funding was secured through the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Bill, which President Donald Trump signed into law.
The funding, awarded to the Mercer County Fiscal Court, will support critical infrastructure and site development needed to bring the mega site closer to full market readiness. Local leaders say the investment builds years of work to make the property one of Kentucky’s most competitive locations for large-scale industrial recruitment.
“Central Kentucky is competing on a national stage for the next generation of manufacturing and technology investment, and the Bluegrass Innovation Gateway is a prime example of how preparation meets opportunity,” said Congressman Barr. “I’m proud to work alongside our outstanding local partners to keep this momentum going. I’m also grateful to President Trump and his support for this funding that helps rural America compete and win.”
“Congressman Andy Barr has been a strong supporter of the Bluegrass Innovation Gateway from the start,” said Sarah Steele, Mercer County Judge/Executive. “His continued advocacy is helping us build the infrastructure needed to create jobs and drive economic growth in Mercer County and throughout the region, and I am grateful to him and his team for their leadership.”
“This $2 million in federal funding is exactly the kind of targeted investment our region needs to move the Bluegrass Innovation Gateway from vision to reality,” said State Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe (R-KY-12). “By supporting essential infrastructure and site readiness, this appropriation strengthens Mercer County’s ability to compete for high-impact employers and quality jobs. I thank Congressman Barr for his leadership in securing these resources and for standing with Central Kentucky as we build a stronger economic future for our communities.”
“The mega site project holds incredible potential for our community, bringing good-paying jobs and economic investment for generations to come. I appreciate Congressman Barr’s efforts to secure this funding and look forward to continuing the work required to make this project a reality,” said State Representative Kim King (R-KY-55).
“Representative Barr continues to deliver when it comes to support of our community. The Bluegrass Innovation Gateway Park is able to move forward more readily with the introduction of this $2 Million award. Thank you, Rep. Barr, for your leadership, service, and above all, friendship with the Harrodsburg/Mercer County community,” said Harrodsburg Mayor Bob Williams.
“HMCIDA is extremely grateful for the advocacy of Congressman Barr and his team,” said Greyson Evans, Executive Director of the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Industrial Development Authority. “The Bluegrass Innovation Gateway is already one of our state’s most prominent development opportunities, and the funding secured only enhances our community’s red-hot momentum. Congressman Barr and his staff have been instrumentally elevating this site and spreading the word even at the federal level that Mercer County is open for business. The proof is in the pudding—Apple/Corning, Earth Breeze, other opportunities on the horizon, and robust funding for what we believe is one of the best and fastest-to-market mega sites in the country. Thank you, Congressman Barr!”
The Wilkinson Farm Mega site is designed to serve as a catalyst for long-term economic growth in Central Kentucky, creating construction opportunities in the near term while laying the groundwork for permanent jobs and expanded industry in the years ahead.
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