Berea, KY — Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) announced the delivery of $2 million in federal funding through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations process for the Central Kentucky Triple Crown Business Park, a major economic development project for the Central Kentucky Region. Barr advocated for the inclusion of these funds in the latest America First funding bill that President Trump signed into law.
The funding was requested by the Scott County Fiscal Court and will support the development of Central Kentucky Business Park Authority, a new regional business park aimed at attracting employers, creating jobs, and strengthening Central Kentucky’s long-term economic competitiveness. The collaborative partnership between Lexington-Fayette Urban County, Madison County, Scott County, and the City of Berea is advancing economic development across the region.
“This $2 million investment puts Kentucky first,” said Congressman Barr. “By advancing the Triple Crown Business Park, we’re creating the infrastructure businesses need to invest, hire, and grow right here in the Sixth District. This project strengthens our local economy, attracts new jobs, and improves the quality of life for families across Central Kentucky. I’m proud to have led the effort to include this project in the latest America First funding bill and that we were able to get this across the finish line.”
The funds will be used for the development of the proposed Central Kentucky Regional Business Park, which is designed to enhance each of the partner government’s ability to compete for new industries and expand the local tax base. In addition to site preparation, the funding will support critical infrastructure improvements necessary to bring new employers and employees to the region, including transportation access and utility readiness. These enhancements will help ensure Central Kentucky is workforce-ready and business-friendly, paving the way for sustained economic growth and private-sector investment.
“The $2 million federal investment is a critical step in turning the Triple Crown Business Park into a reality,” said Scott County Judge/Executive Joe Pat Covington. “It reflects the strength of Central Kentucky as a regional economy and what we can accomplish when local and regional partners work together to secure support at the federal level. This project will help us attract high-quality employers, expand opportunities for our workforce, and build long-term economic strength for the entire region. We are grateful to Congressman Andy Barr for his leadership and advocacy through the Community Project Funding process on behalf of Central Kentucky. Local governments exist to provide services to our communities and the revenues from new jobs created through this partnership will support those services for years to come. “
“Berea has always valued smart, intentional growth,” said Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley. “This funding supports projects that improve safety, access, and opportunity for our residents while respecting the character of our community. We’re thankful to Congressman Barr for helping move these priorities forward and delivering resources that make a real difference on the ground.”
“Congressman Barr is helping us create jobs for the future through his support for our new regional business park, Central Kentucky Triple Crown Business Park. This funding will help us install the infrastructure that makes the property shovel-ready for businesses interested in locating there,” said Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton. “This almost 300-acre business park is unique – it is a regional park. It will provide good jobs for all of Central Kentucky, and tax revenue that will allow governments in Berea and in Madison, Scott and Fayette counties to make improvements.”
The infrastructure decisions we make today determine the kind of jobs and opportunities Madison County can deliver for decades to come,” said Madison County Judge/Executive Reagan Taylor. “This funding directly supports economic development and the regional park—projects that will help create jobs, attract employers, and grow our local economy. With Congressman Barr’s support, Madison County is positioned to compete, invest in our workforce, and deliver measurable results for the people of the Commonwealth.”
“The Central Kentucky Regional Business Park is a great example of regional collaboration that meets the need for more shovel-ready land for jobs here in Greater Lexington. With public and private sector leaders in nine counties working to implement the action items of our ongoing Regional Competitiveness Plan, this kind of positive impact is the result of increased dialogue between the counties and a willingness to find solutions together. We congratulate the partners who made this business park happen, and we appreciate Congressman Barr’s efforts to secure funding for this important project,” said Commerce Lexington President and CEO, Bob Quick.
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