FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 5, 2026) — Kentucky continues to strengthen its speed-to-market economic development strategy as two new Build-Ready industrial sites in Lincoln County have been certified, positioning the region for future business investment, job creation and economic growth.
Announced by Governor Andy Beshear, the new sites are located in the Lincoln-Rowland Industrial Park in Stanford and join the growing portfolio of properties certified by Team Kentucky’s Cabinet for Economic Development as Build-Ready locations designed to accelerate project timelines for companies seeking new or expanded operations.
Each site is capable of supporting a 100,000-square-foot industrial facility, offering companies a ready-to-develop location with key infrastructure already in place.
“Continuing to invest in our speed-to-market programs gives communities across Kentucky a powerful tool for attracting new business investment,” said Gov. Beshear. “These Build-Ready sites lay the groundwork for companies to locate here in the commonwealth and create quality, life-changing jobs for our people.”
Strategic Industrial Location
The newly certified sites include:
- Site 1: Approximately 15 acres of shovel-ready land capable of supporting a 100,000-square-foot building
- Site 2: Up to 18 acres with similar development potential
Both properties are zoned for industrial use and located adjacent to U.S. Highway 150 in Stanford, approximately 23 miles from Interstate 75, 55 miles from Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, and 109 miles from the nearest riverport.
Utilities available at the sites include:
- Natural gas service via Atmos Energy
- 8- and 10-inch gravity sewer lines
- 12-inch water lines
- Electric service
- Broadband telecommunications through AT&T
Supporting Regional Growth
Local leaders say the development strengthens Lincoln County’s ability to attract new employers and support regional economic growth.
“I’m proud of the progress we’re making in Lincoln County and the opportunities these sites create for industry,” said Lincoln County Judge/Executive Woods Adams. “With two 100,000-square-foot Build-Ready pads located within 15 miles of the RGL Rockcastle Megasite, we are sending a clear message that Lincoln County is ready to support economic development and regional success.”
Stanford Mayor Dalton Miller emphasized the long-term community benefits.
“These sites represent years of hard work and a shared vision for the future of Stanford and Lincoln County,” Miller said. “This investment helps ensure our children and grandchildren will have opportunities to live, work and succeed right here in our community.”
Preparing Sites for Immediate Development
Build-Ready certification means much of the preliminary work needed for industrial development has already been completed, allowing companies to begin construction quickly once a project is announced.
Preparation for Build-Ready sites includes:
- Environmental and geotechnical studies
- Archaeological assessments
- Site control and land acquisition
- Infrastructure installation
- Building pad preparation
- Preliminary building plans and permitting
This work significantly shortens project timelines, making the sites attractive to companies seeking speed-to-market advantages.
“With the completion of two certified Build-Ready sites, Lincoln County is well positioned to attract new industry and create meaningful job opportunities,” said Dan Gutenson, vice chair of the Stanford-Lincoln County Industrial Development Authority.
Kentucky Expanding Its Build-Ready Portfolio
With the addition of the Lincoln County properties, Kentucky now has 30 certified Build-Ready sites statewide, with several additional locations currently working toward certification.
The program has already delivered results. Twelve previously certified sites across counties including Barren, Butler, Christian, Graves, Hart, Laurel, Pulaski and Warren have been selected by companies for new operations, allowing projects to move forward more quickly while creating new jobs for Kentuckians.
State officials say initiatives like Build-Ready have helped support Kentucky’s strongest six-year period of economic growth in state history, as communities continue to invest in site readiness and infrastructure to attract future investment.
