State approves 16 KPDI economic development grants across Kentucky totaling multiple projects

Kylie Palmer, deputy commissioner with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, presented 16 projects recommended by KEDFA under KPDI EDF programs and asked the commission to approve the grants.

Projects include grants for due diligence, industrial access roads, pad preparation and infrastructure across the state — examples: City of Morgantown industrial access road ($360,000 grant, 10% local match); Cynthiana/White Oak infrastructure and sewer improvements ($2,000,000 grant, 15% local match); Somerset Commerce Park pad development ($2,000,000 grant, 17.5% match); and multiple due‑diligence or site‑prep grants in Eastern Kentucky. Palmer said the projects were vetted by an independent site‑selection consultant and that the funding calls on a mix of previously appropriated balances and reallocated funds from rounds that had unobligated projects.

Commissioners discussed remaining balances under earlier appropriations (noting approximately $8 million left under a prior 2022 appropriation and $28.6 million remaining under a 2024 appropriation after approvals and recommendations). Palmer said many projects recommended against earlier rounds have since indicated plans to proceed; remaining recommended projects are expected to obligate funds.

The commission moved, seconded and approved the KPDI grant package as presented.