Maureen Carpenter, the executive director and CEO of Barren Inc. and the Barren Economic Authority, speaks at an event.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
CAVE CITY — Funding was awarded last week to assist in the development of Chapatcha Park in northern Barren County.
The 44-acre industrial park is located near Interstate 65. It’s been developed for several years, according to a news release from the Barren County Economic Authority. Three sites’ grounds have recently been broken.
“Park developments have included an access road and utility installation including water, sewer, electric and gas,” the news release said. “The Park has also undergone significant due diligence including Phase I Environmental, Geo Technical and Geo Physical testing.”
The next phase of the project will include the grading of nearly 30 acres, which will make the park shovel ready. The “marketable sites” will be produced, and an industrial park gateway sign will be added, too.
An application for community funding was submitted and the project announced last week that funding was approved. The application was submitted last fall by the city of Cave City, Barren County and the BCEA.
“This funding award is very much appreciated,” said Barren County Judge Executive Micheal Hale. “Cave City is a gateway into Barren County, and we are excited to be able to work with Cave City’s leadership to develop three industrial sites.”
The Barren Fiscal Court had planned to fund part of the park’s development by borrowing money through bonding. The funding awarded last week will free the funding to be redirected to developments in Barren County, they said.
“We are developing this park in order to bring new jobs and capital investment to the community,” said Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher. “With great access to the interstate and centrally located between two international airports, our location sits in the heart of Southcentral Kentucky.”
Vincent Excavating, LLC was hired to complete the project. It is anticipated that the sites will be ready within the next 100-days.
