Originally appeared in the Kentucky Standard | April 13, 2024
FRANKFORT — A significant milestone has been met in efforts to meet infrastructure needs in Hardin County with the Kentucky General Assembly’s investment in supporting central Kentucky economic growth related to the Blue Oval SK battery plant.
The project at Glendale’s Ky. 222/Interstate 65 interchange was funded for construction in the 2020 road plan, and overall costs were $50.4 million. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet awarded the contract in January 2022, and construction of the project’s first phase is now complete. Funding for the project was not included in the 2022 plan because the contract was awarded before the 2022 road plan was enacted.
The interchange was thoughtfully designed to protect downtown Glendale’s historical integrity while improving access to accommodate the anticipated increase in vehicle traffic resulting from the Blue Oval SK Battery Park. This is only one of several projects in Glendale along the Interstate 65 corridor that must be completed to protect what residents love about living in the community and assist the plant’s operations.
Blue Oval SK has invested $5.8 billion to produce advanced batteries for future Ford and Lincoln electric vehicles (EVs), making Kentucky a leader in EV battery manufacturing. Production is slated to start in 2025 and is expected to create 5,000 new jobs.
“I’ve been eagerly anticipating the completion of this project because the investment Blue Oval SK has made in our community is a game-changer,” said Matt Deneen, who represents Hardin County’s 10th Senate District. “While I wish I could be in attendance to celebrate the completion of this intersection, it is unfortunately scheduled when the General Assembly is tasked with important legislative duties the residents of Kentucky expect their elected officials to fulfill.
“With great investment comes a great responsibility to support the project by ensuring our local roads and highways are prepared to meet the demands this economic growth will bring. I’m grateful to be a voice in the Senate for Hardin County. I want to thank Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon, all of my colleagues in the General Assembly, and KYTC for seeing this particular project through to its end.”
Several more Glendale and Hardin County projects are included in the 2024-2026 biennial road plan, which is receiving a boost because the Senate included more than $450 million from the state’s budget reserve trust fund to the state road plan. The funds are allocated for projects in high-growth counties and those identified for economic development.
“The General Assembly has shown a commitment to supporting projects like this, not just through the state road plan or budget, but also through good public policy like tax reform,” Higdon said. “None of this comes to fruition if all horses aren’t pulling in the same direction, so I want to commend Senator Deneen for the work he has put in to advocate for Hardin County since he joined us in the Senate. I know there is excitement to see the completion of the interchange project, and we will look forward to all the other good projects on the horizon. This is a good day for Hardin County.”