WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Congressmen Hal Rogers (KY-05) and Thomas Massie (KY-04) announced today the Northeast Kentucky Regional Industrial Authority received a $2 million competitive federal grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to construct a 65,000 square foot building at EastPark Industrial Center. The new structure is expected to support the creation of 150 jobs. In addition to the federal funding, local sources will provide $2,327,000 for the project at the Kentucky certified Build-Ready Site, which allows incoming businesses to bypass bureaucratic red tape.
“This major investment will build upon EastPark Industrial Center’s track record of success and job growth. I was proud to work with local leaders to bring new opportunity to the Ashland community,” said Senator McConnell. “With Congressmen Rogers and Massie, I’m helping promote this region’s workers and the development of its future. I’ll continue working to deliver federal funding for worthy projects to serve Kentucky families and tap into our Commonwealth’s potential.”
In December, the EastPark Industrial Center also received a $1.5 million grant through Kentucky’s Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Pilot program for site work in preparation of construction. Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers have championed $540 million in federal funding for the AML Pilot program since 2016, of which $130 million has been awarded to Kentucky.
“We have the best workforce in the country and this location will allow the next business to have a prime operating location just off I-64 in Northeast Kentucky,” said Congressman Rogers. “It is always an honor to work with my congressional colleagues, Senator McConnell and Congressman Massie, for projects that cross county and regional lines. What’s good for Eastern Kentucky is good for the entire state.”
“As a member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, I am pleased to join Senator McConnell and Representative Rogers to announce an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant of $2 million to the Northeast Kentucky Regional Industrial Authority,” said Congressman Massie. “The ARC grant will support the creation of 150 local jobs. It is a pleasure to work with my colleagues to support a project that will strengthen Northeastern Kentucky’s economy.”
“Northeast Kentucky is open for businesses. This investment in the EastPark Industrial Center will help create new jobs and opportunity for our community. Senator McConnell, Congressman Rogers, and Congressman Massie are instrumental partners for growth and achievement in our region. We’re grateful for their leadership to help deliver this grant,” said David Michael, Chair of the Northeast Kentucky Industrial Development Authority, Inc.
Since its creation in 1998, the strategically-located industrial park on a former strip-mining site has become a major source of jobs for Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup and Lawrence Counties.