Ohio County Offers Build-Ready Site to the EV Industry
4 Apr 2022
News
“With Kentucky taking the lead on electric vehicles, we must meet the needs of this new industry. … Ford and SK Innovation are committed to creating thousands of jobs building the nation’s largest vehicle battery plants.” - Governor Beshear
To meet the demands of a cleaner, sustainable future, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a new normal. Even hybrid SUVs are being built to help satisfy the EV need that was once a trend. As gas prices continue to increase along with inflation, EVs are more attractive.
Location, Location, Location
Ohio County is a prime location for the EV battery industry having such major features and benefits:
- Almost centered within the Auto Alley from Michigan to Georgia.
- Positioned along the interstate highway lessening travel deviation and saving on shipping and delivery times.
- Less than a two-hour drive from lithium-ion battery manufacturers, CATL and Ford SK.
- Central to the steel and aluminum industry.
- Zoned for mixed uses.
Shovel-Ready and Build-Ready
In the state of Kentucky, an industrial property can obtain two certifications: Shovel-Ready and Build-Ready. Shovel-Ready certification means a site has met the 12-point criteria and is ready for surface construction and pad foundation. Build-Ready certification means much of the foundation work is complete and the 19-point site standards have been met.
With Build-Ready certification, companies save on cost and skip the duties of studies, design plans, approved permits, infrastructure, and construction of the building pad.
For detailed information, criteria and standards regarding the Shovel-Ready and Build-Ready requirements, click the corresponding link:
Our Build-Ready Pad
Ohio County is home to the largest Build-Ready pad in the state of Kentucky and possibly the United States. Our Bluegrass Crossings pad spans 320,000 sq. ft, just over seven acres and is ready for new businesses.
Being Build-Ready certified allows companies to bypass much of the red tape required when establishing a new location. This helps expedite and streamline the relocation process.
For more information on our Build-Ready pad, contact Ohio County Economic Development Alliance at oceda@ohiocountyky.gov or call 270-298-4496.