Funding part of broader statewide investment to prepare Kentucky communities for job growth
The Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) has been awarded $2 million in state funding through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) to support continued development of SPEDA Commerce Park — a project positioning Somerset-Pulaski County for future job creation and private investment.
The funding, designated through a competitive grant process, will help develop a build-ready pad at SPEDA Commerce Park, helping ensure the site is competitive for companies seeking to locate or expand in Somerset-Pulaski County.
SPEDA’s award is part of a larger $12.4 million investment announced by the state supporting 16 site development projects across 18 counties.
“This investment is a major step forward for SPEDA Commerce Park and for the future of economic development in Somerset-Pulaski County,” said Chris Girdler, President and CEO of SPEDA. “Communities that win today are the ones that are prepared — with infrastructure in place and sites ready to go. This funding allows us to accelerate that work and better compete for high-quality jobs and private investment that will benefit our community for generations.”
KPDI provides funding to help communities enhance sites and buildings to meet the needs of modern industry. By investing in infrastructure and site readiness, the program strengthens Kentucky’s ability to attract new business and support existing industry growth.
SPEDA Commerce Park, the community’s first large-scale industrial and commerce development in more than 30 years, is a cornerstone of that strategy locally. The park, located in eastern Pulaski County near Valley Oak Commerce Complex, is designed to offer prime, development-ready sites with strong access to major transportation corridors, utilities and workforce — key factors in today’s competitive site selection environment.
The latest award builds on SPEDA’s continued success in securing state support for site development. Including this round of funding, SPEDA has now received multiple KPDI grants totaling $5.4 million, all directed toward advancing infrastructure and site readiness at SPEDA Commerce Park.
“These investments are cumulative — each one moves us closer to having a fully competitive, market-ready site,” Girdler said. “We’ve taken a long-term, strategic approach to developing SPEDA Commerce Park, and the state’s continued confidence in this project speaks to its potential impact not just for Somerset-Pulaski County, but for the entire region.”
Terri Bradshaw, president and CEO of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development, emphasized the initiative’s importance statewide.
“KPDI is designed to give Kentucky the competitive edge it needs to win major economic development projects on the national stage,” Bradshaw said. “These investments empower local developers to stand out and play a critical role in our long-term growth strategy. KPDI is already delivering transformative results for our economy, and I’m excited to see its continued impact in these 18 communities across the commonwealth.”
Girdler added that the funding builds on years of local planning and investment aimed at preparing Somerset-Pulaski County for its next phase of growth.
“We’ve been intentional about laying the groundwork — from infrastructure to workforce development — to ensure we’re ready when opportunity comes,” he said. “This funding helps us move faster, think bigger and continue building a community where businesses want to invest and people want to live and work.”
For more information about SPEDA Commerce Park and other properties available, visit https://somersetkyleads.com/properties/.