FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 5, 2017) – Kentucky has designated its third Build-Ready industrial site in just over three months with the announcement of a new location in Princeton, the 15th in Kentucky to earn the certification.
The 10-acre tract, expandable to nearly 48 acres, includes a 200,000 square-foot building pad that can accommodate a manufacturing facility of 75,000 square feet or more. The site, zoned for heavy industrial use, includes access to water, sewer, natural gas and electric.
“The Build-Ready program continues to add locations at an encouraging rate, and we at the Cabinet want to congratulate officials in Princeton for their efforts to get this site certified,” said Terry Gill, secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development. “Communities across the state recognize the benefits of Build-Ready and are taking the steps to attract businesses that want to bypass much of the red tape associated with locating a new facility. Princeton and Caldwell County now join that list, and we are glad to assist with the area’s economic development.”
All Build-Ready sites include a pad 50,000 square feet or greater – expandable to 100,000 square feet or more – and utilities that extend to the site’s edge. The designation also means necessary permits, including water, environmental, archeological, and geotechnical are on file, as well as preliminary building plans, cost estimates and schedule projections.
The applicant – usually a city, county or economic-development group – must also provide a rendering of a potential building for the site.
At just over three years old, the Build-Ready program has certified 15 locations across the state including the Princeton site. Efforts toward certification continue on multiple other sites.
Sen. Dorsey Ridley, of Henderson, said the designation gives the community a leg up in the site selection process.
“This innovative and wise investment is a welcoming invitation to new business and an indication of the area’s strong commitment to positive growth,” Sen. Ridley said. “This Build-Ready site definitely gives Princeton and Caldwell County a competitive edge in today’s aggressive recruitment climate.”
Rep. Lynn Bechler, of Marion, said the announcement could mean growth for the community.
“Build-Ready certification means Princeton is open for business and ready to grow jobs immediately,” Rep. Bechler said. “We now join a small handful of other communities around the state, and we are among the most competitive business location sites in Kentucky.”
Caldwell County Judge-Executive Ellen Dunning said the Build-Ready site is the latest of many benefits for companies to locate in the area.
“I am very excited about the potential opportunities the Build-Ready project will present to our area,” Judge-Executive Dunning said. “Caldwell County and the surrounding counties have much to offer in terms of quality of living, workforce, education and more for companies looking to come to Western Kentucky.”
Princeton Mayor Danny Beavers said the announcement shows the community’s dedication to creating new jobs.
“This Build-Ready certification is great news for Princeton,” Mayor Beavers said. “When companies consider our community for location, we want them to know we are dedicated to meeting their needs and working together to create long-term success. With this Build-Ready site to combine with our strong local workforce, we are sending a message that Princeton is a pro-business community.”
Kentucky’s other Build-Ready sites include tracts in the Highland Glen Industrial Park in Glasgow, the Bluegrass Crossings Regional Business Centre in Beaver Dam, the 4 Star Regional Industrial Park in Henderson, the Hickory Industrial Park in Mayfield, the Shelton Industrial Park in Russellville, Progress Park in Horse Cave, Muhlenberg County Industrial Park in Greenville, Commerce Industrial Park in Hopkinsville, Heartland Commerce and Technology Park in Campbellsville, Washington County Commerce Center in Springfield, EastPark in Ashland and three sites in the Kentucky Transpark in Bowling Green.
Due to high levels of interest in Bowling Green’s three Build-Ready locations, local officials advanced one previous site further with the construction of a speculative building. It represents an example of Kentucky communities working to advance to meet the demands of business expansions and new locations.
For more information on the Build-Ready program, visit www.thinkkentucky.com/selectkentucky/buildready/.
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