BEREA, Ky. — Officials from Lexington, Scott County, Madison County and Berea announced the groundbreaking of the Triple Crown Business Park, described as the first public, multi-county economic development project in Central Kentucky, according to a media advisory from the City of Lexington Mayor's Office.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at 1604 Farristown Industrial Drive in Berea, bringing together Mayor Linda Gorton, Scott County Judge-Executive Joe Pat Covington, Madison County Judge-Executive Reagan Taylor, and Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley, along with state and federal representatives including Senior Advisor to Governor Andy Beshear Rocky Adkins.

The 300-acre park is housed within the Menelaus Industrial Park in Berea and represents a collaborative effort among four government entities. The Central Kentucky Business Park Authority, which will purchase and manage the park, has all four partners giving final approval following 20 months of development, according to statements released in December 2024.

The project already has secured significant federal funding. In February 2026, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr announced $2 million in federal funding through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations process. The funds will support site preparation and critical infrastructure improvements, with ground breaking anticipated to occur as early as summer 2026.

Regional officials have stated the park will attract employers, create jobs, and generate tax revenue for participating governments. After a 10% hosting fee to Berea, each county will receive 33% of the tax revenues created by the park.

The groundbreaking represents a culmination of regional collaboration efforts. According to development consultant Lucas Witt, in today's economic climate, companies creating jobs have specific infrastructure needs, making build-ready sites critical for business recruitment.