Eastern Kentucky Improves Industrial Sites Through the Product Development Initiative

Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) has been invaluable in securing funding to develop sites that will attract businesses to the region. The state allocated $35 million per fiscal year in the last biennial budget, and the counties supported by One East Kentucky have received more than $9 million since the program was created in 2022.  

“The long-term goal is to have build-ready properties and spec buildings at all of our regional industrial parks,” says Colby Kirk, President and CEO at One East Kentucky. “This provides more options to site selectors and business leaders considering the region.”

Currently, six different sites in Eastern Kentucky are either developed or under development because of KPDI funding. These efforts will set the region up for success as it ramps up its business recruitment efforts. 

KPDI Funding Makes Land Easy to Build On

Eastern Kentucky communities have used KPDI funding, along with AMLER (​​​Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalizatio​n) funds, to improve land parcels for prospective businesses. By taking on the resource and financial burden of site and ground improvements, Kentucky communities can promote shovel-ready sites that are sound and safe.

“KPDI has been great for our region to invest in our assets and make them marketable,” says Kirk. “It allows us to actively counter the narrative that previously mined lands are hard to develop. Now, it is just as easy to build here as in any other part of the country.”

Kirk adds that the improved sites in Eastern Kentucky might actually be better for companies looking to build in the region because they have already been certified by an engineer as part of Kentucky’s rigorous Build Ready Program. There is less risk compared to buying raw land or undeveloped areas. 

Developed Sites Vary by Size and Amenities

Companies considering Eastern Kentucky can tour various sites developed through KPDI and AMLER funds. They can narrow their search based on specific needs and operational goals. A few examples of parcels developed include: 

• Johnson County used $400,000 to purchase a 15-acre site with rail access at Hager Hill. Prospective companies said the space was too small. The county then used PDI funds to purchase the land next to it, turning the parcel into a 30-acre site. 
• Martin County spent $2 million excavating and compacting a site to prepare it for development. The 200,000-square-foot build-ready pad is part of Eastern Kentucky Business Park. 
• Perry County plans to use $4.2 million to develop a 200,000 square foot build-ready pad and expects to debut it as part of Coal Fields Regional Industrial Park in 2026. 
• Pike County invested $2 million to develop a 100,000 square foot build-ready pad in the Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park. The funds went toward ground improvements, drainage, and the extension of the roadway.

Companies touring Eastern Kentucky can decide whether they want to build on prepared land or speed up their time to market by moving directly into a spec building. As the team at One East Kentucky attracts businesses to the area, local community leaders can showcase the best possible options to meet their needs. 

Local Communities Drive KPDI Projects

One East Kentucky serves in an advisory capacity when reviewing potential KPDI-funded projects. The local cities and counties have a better understanding of their land opportunities and benefits to businesses.  

“We share our ideas with local leaders, but it’s up to the community to buy in,” says Kirk. “Our counties keep making these investments because residents want new businesses in the area. This speaks to how companies will be received when they move here.”

Eastern Kentucky is a high-opportunity zone because it has ample, affordable land and a dedicated workforce with transferable skills. The KPDI funds allow communities to turn former mine sites into Build-Ready pads while 10,000 available workers wait to step into new roles.

“Local communities are using their time and resources to attract opportunities,” says Kirk. “They are actively reducing the costs for businesses looking to relocate in order to tip the scales in our favor.” 

Eastern Kentucky Makes it Easy to Grow

KPDI funds are available to all 120 counties in the state, but the counties in Eastern Kentucky have been some of the most active applicants. Their goal is to reduce costs, timelines, and requirements for businesses considering the area so they can smoothly transition or expand to Kentucky. The communities are actively working to welcome investment and support new businesses with qualified applicants.

The State of Kentucky can continue investing in its future through continued KPDI funding, while businesses can consider this region and how hard the counties are working to bring them here. Together, we can work toward creating our perfect New Kentucky Home.

Interested in Eastern Kentucky? Contact us today and let us help you find shovel-ready sites that meet your size and amenity needs.