$1.4 million in federal funding supports infrastructure and site development to attract new employers
MOUNT STERLING, Ky. (February 10, 2026) — A $1.4 million federal investment is accelerating development of a new industrial park in Mount Sterling, positioning Montgomery County to better compete for business recruitment and job-creating projects in Central Kentucky.
U.S. Congressman Andy Barr announced approval of the funding through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations process. The funding package, signed into law by President Trump, was requested by the Montgomery County Fiscal Court to support land acquisition and critical site development improvements.
The investment focuses on building industry-ready infrastructure that aligns with the needs of modern employers and site selectors evaluating Kentucky locations.
Project improvements will include:
- Water and wastewater infrastructure
- Access road development
- Storm drainage systems
- Erosion control measures
- Site grading and preparation
Together, these improvements will create a market-ready industrial park capable of supporting advanced manufacturing, logistics, and other job-generating operations.
Congressman Barr emphasized the role of infrastructure in economic competitiveness, noting that prepared sites and reliable utilities are key factors for companies evaluating expansion locations. Local and regional leaders echoed that sentiment, highlighting how proactive site development helps communities avoid being eliminated early in the site selection process.
Montgomery County officials say the project is designed to meet current employer expectations for shovel-ready sites while supporting long-term economic growth and workforce opportunities. By reducing development risk and shortening project timelines for prospective investors, the new industrial park aims to attract private-sector investment and quality jobs to the region.
Economic development leaders in Mount Sterling and Montgomery County view the funding as a strategic step toward building a competitive inventory of industrial sites in Central Kentucky — a factor increasingly critical as states and communities compete for mobile capital investment.
