Gov. Beshear Ceremonially Signs Bill Supporting Bluegrass Station

Press Release

Governor Steve Beshear today ceremonially signed into law legislation that improves the economic competitiveness of Bluegrass Station by strengthening its ability to improve and repurpose facilities when federal funds are available.

"As a state facility supporting national defense and homeland security missions, Bluegrass Station Division is unique within Kentucky and the United States," Gov. Beshear said. "This law gives the station the flexibility to accept and adapt to daily mission changes, which not only adds to the security of our Commonwealth and nation, but also ensures the competiveness of an organization that provides a significant economic impact to the region."

Gov. Beshear noted that Bluegrass Station has created an influx of about 800 jobs in the past five years, with an economic impact estimated at more than $298 million annually.

"This legislation enables the Bluegrass Station more flexibility to compete for federal contracts with the United States government," said Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo, of Lexington, who sponsored the bill. "As a result, high wage jobs will be created in the 76th District of the Commonwealth of Kentucky."

Located on Briar Hill Road in Lexington, Bluegrass Station, a former Army depot, is a military-industrial complex providing security, infrastructure and quick response to federal agencies and their contractors. The facility, which encompasses more than 777 acres and more than 2.2 million square feet of commercial space, employs 2,780 workers, with an annual total payroll of more than $147 million.

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