Maureen Carpenter, Barren Inc & BCEA President and CEO, speaks at an event hosted by the area chamber of commerce.
(WCLU NEWS FILE PHOTO)
GLASGOW — The Barren County Economic Authority announced Wednesday they have received $1 million in funding to continue the development of South Cooper Industrial Park along Highway 68/80.
The funding was applied for through Congressman Brett Guthrie’s office last fall, according to a news release. The money comes from Community Development funding. Notification came last week that Barren County would get the money.
“We are very grateful for this award in funding,” said Barren County Judge Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd. “Industrial development is vital for our community’s future growth, and we are excited to be able to work with the Economic Authority leadership on the further progress of the Park.”
South Cooper Industrial Park is a 152-acre industrial park located along Highway 68/80 in Glasgow. Over the last several years, park developments have included the construction of an access road into the park, widening of 68/80, the installation of turning lanes and grading of two sites.
“We are thrilled to partner with Barren County and the City of Glasgow on this project and are extremely grateful to Congressman Guthrie and his team for their support in helping to secure the needed funding,” said Barren Inc & BCEA President and CEO Maureen Carpenter. “We are diligently working on property development to meet the needs of our local industry and to attract new industry to the area, creating high-quality jobs for our community.”
The park has also undergone significant due diligence including Phase I Environmental, geo-technical and geo physical testing, archeological study, and stream and wetland analysis. The preparation has prepared the park for its next step in development, which will include extending infrastructure and further excavation.
Economic development officials said local plans include the further development of “build-ready certified sites.”
“With our excellent schools systems, quality workforce, strong infrastructure and our central location, developing this park will bring new jobs and capital investment to the community,” said Glasgow Mayor, Henry Royse.
Marketing efforts are also part of the BCEA’s working plan. A video highlighting Barren County was unveiled on Jan. 6. A new 2022-2023 magazine is available and a spotlight on Glasgow will be coming out in the Business View Magazine later this month.
