Kentucky Legislators Attend PIMA

05/02/2024

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:          Carter Hendricks

Executive Director

                        270-885-1499

Release:          May 2, 2024

South Western Kentucky State and Federal Legislative Caucus

Visits Ascend Elements 

The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council (SWK EDC) recently hosted a delegation of the region’s state and federal representation including Morgan Alvey with Senator Mitch McConnell’s office, Jason Hasert with Senator Rand Paul’s office, State Senator Whitney Westerfield, Representative Jasone Petrie (House Appropriations and Revenue Chair), Representative Myron Dossett, and Representative Walker Thomas.  The delegation met with the Pennyrile Industrial Manager’s Association providing an update on the recent legislative session, including budget highlights positively impacting the region. 

“This annual ‘legislative update’ event is a highlight of our year with the Pennyrile Industrial Managers Association.  It allows our manufacturing and industry leaders to better understand what is happening in the state, which allows us to better prepare for the future.  We thank the delegation for their attendance and their leadership to the region and state,” shared Tom Lilienthal, Novelis Plant Manager.

Following the PIMA luncheon, the delegation attended a tour of Christian County’s Commerce Park II and the Ascend Elements site witnessing progress at the region’s newest industrial park and at Ascend Elements’ Apex I construction site.  Combined, the projects represent over $1.1B in total investment, over one thousand construction jobs, and nearly five hundred permanent jobs.  

Improvements to the park include:

Over $40M in road construction projects that will directly benefit Commerce Park II and the surrounding area.

Over $65M in electric infrastructure improvements that will directly benefit Commerce Park II and the surrounding area.

Over $10M in additional investments in infrastructure and utilities at Commerce Park II that will directly benefit the site and surrounding area.

Additionally, the delegation earned approval for additional regional priorities such as $30M for sewer infrastructure upgrades to better serve South Todd County, improvements to Exit 89 in Oak Grove to improve traffic safety and allow for future economic development opportunities, and initiated support for improving Interstate 24 throughout South Western Kentucky.  

“Thanks to the hard work of our state and federal delegation, the tireless advocacy of partners like the Christian County Chamber of Commerce, and our region’s recent economic development success, the region is enjoying the benefits of significant public and private investment which is leading to transformational opportunities for our region’s residents and communities.  We appreciate the strong leadership demonstrated by the state delegation with this year’s budget session and the continued support from our federal representation,” stated Carter Hendricks, Executive Director, South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council.

For more information on this release, the SWK EDC, the region, and available sites, please contact 270-885-1499 or visit www.southwesternky.com.