Bowling Green, Kentucky, April 27, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- South Central Kentucky continues to lead the race in fast-tracking industrial development in Kentucky with the latest set of Build-Ready certified sites approved by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. Both sites have a 108,000 square-foot graded pad and are eligible for immediate expansion. Each site is located less than one mile from Interstate 65. These two sites join an existing Build-Ready site and a 108,000 square-foot speculative building at the Kentucky Transpark.
The Build-Ready program takes shovel-ready sites to the next level, allowing for accelerated project timelines for companies seeking new location opportunities. Build-Ready sites streamline industrial project timelines and reduce costs; a true win-win for companies and communities alike.
“Build-Ready sites are important for companies working with a quick timeline,” said Gary Dillard, ITA Chairman. “In that situation, the decision to expand in South Central Kentucky versus another market could be swayed by how quickly the company can break ground and begin operations. This project makes the Transpark even more competitive in the site selection process than ever before.”
“We have experienced great success with our proactive and comprehensive approach to real estate development,” said Ron Bunch, Chamber President and CEO. “The first and only set of Build-Ready sites in Kentucky were announced in the Kentucky Transpark in 2015 and now we have the second dual set of certified sites. As part of our property development continuum, the Build-Ready sites help ensure the Transpark is primed and ready for the region’s economic development future.”
In addition to the building pads available on each site, all utilities are available to, or line, each property. Lot 12 is 20 acres and Lot 10 is 14.8 acres and both include building plans approved for up to 207,000 square-feet. Lot 10 is one of three rail-served Build-Ready sites in Kentucky.
“Bowling Green is the fastest growing city in Kentucky and it is crucial for us to find new and innovative ways to stay competitive,” said Mayor Bruce Wilkerson. “We are fortunate to have the Kentucky Transpark as an asset for economic development in South Central Kentucky and the continued investment in the park is an investment in our community’s future.”
“The progressive nature of economic development in our community is second-to-none,” said Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon. “With a Build-Ready site, the pad is ready, zoning is in place, construction costs and timetables have been estimated, and building designs are available for any of our targeted businesses to quickly locate to South Central Kentucky.”
The Kentucky Transpark offers tenants access to rail and major highways – Interstate 65 makes up the park’s southeast border – international airports and the Owensboro Riverport. The Transpark has approximately 300 acres of heavy and light industrial land options available for development. Additional advantages of doing business in the Transpark include abundant access to infrastructure, education and workforce development opportunities, and Kentucky’s new right-to-work legislation.
Since 2011, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has developed over 275 acres of land, including 1.063 million square feet of industrial space at the Kentucky Transpark. In total, there has been $653.3 million in capital investment announced and 813 new jobs created. Employment at the Transpark has reached 2,646 people with a total payroll of over $129 million. Over the next 10 years, the Kentucky Transpark will have a $5.97 billion economic impact on the South Central Kentucky region.
The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has announced two economic development projects totaling $35.4 million in capital investment and 154 jobs. For more information on the Kentucky Transpark or the Chamber of Commerce, contact President and CEO, Ron Bunch, CEcD at ron@bgchamber.com or visit www.southcentralky.com.
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About the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce:
Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was named the 2009 Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. As the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,200 partners and is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those in large industries alike. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors in order to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region.