Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance

Six Counties. One Corridor. Infinite Opportunity.

KIEDA unifies Gallatin, Carroll, Owen, Henry, Trimble, and Oldham counties into one regionally competitive economic development alliance—attracting investment, preparing sites, and advancing infrastructure along the I-71 Corridor between Louisville and Cincinnati.

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Meet the Alliance

$300M+ · Investment Facilitated

6 · Corridor Counties

2,800+ sq mi · Corridor Footprint

3M+ · People Within 90 Min

About KIEDA

To advance economic development across the six-county I-71 Corridor by aligning regional assets, preparing development-ready sites, securing infrastructure investment, and facilitating public-private partnerships that create jobs and strengthen communities.

The I-71 Corridor recognized as Kentucky's premier industrial and logistics region—nationally competitive, infrastructure-ready, and positioned as the strategic link between Louisville and Cincinnati.

Regional Public-Private Alliance

KIEDA operates as a public-private authority—combining the accountability of local government with the agility of private sector leadership.

Public Foundation — Governed by county elected officials ensuring democratic accountability and public interest alignment.

Private Momentum — Fueled by private sector stakeholders who bring market intelligence, investment, and industry networks.

Unified Voice — Six counties speaking as one regional economic entity—maximizing competitive positioning and grant leverage.

KIEDA's strategic framework targets seven core pillars that advance the corridor's economic competitiveness and regional alignment.

Site Readiness — Certifying and preparing development-ready sites across six counties.

Infrastructure Expansion — Coordinating utility, transportation, and broadband investment.

Workforce Alignment — Connecting regional employers to training pipelines and labor shed data.

Industrial Recruitment — Targeting manufacturing, logistics, and high-load industrial users.

Tourism Development — Expanding recreational and agritourism assets along the corridor.

Grant Facilitation — Navigating ARC, EDA, USDA-RD, KEDFA, and federal funding programs.

Corridor-Wide Alignment — Unifying six county economic strategies into one regional voice.

Jessica Moore is Executive Director of the Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance, a six-county regional partnership driving strategic growth along the corridor between Louisville and Cincinnati. She leads initiatives focused on site readiness, infrastructure alignment, and regional collaboration to attract industrial, logistics, and emerging industry investment. Moore works closely with public and private sector partners to position the I-71 corridor as a competitive location for business expansion while supporting sustainable growth across the communities that make up the region.

The Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance is governed by the six county Judge Executives representing the counties along the I-71 Corridor. Together, they guide the Alliance's regional economic development strategy, ensuring collaboration across communities to prepare sites, strengthen infrastructure, and attract investment to the corridor.

Ex officio members provide strategic guidance, financial expertise, and operational support to the Alliance while helping strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Governance

Board of Directors

KIEDA is governed by a board of county elected officials and private sector representatives—ensuring democratic accountability and market-aligned leadership.

6 · County Representatives · Public sector governance

3+ · Private Sector Members · Industry & utility partners

Bi-Monthly · Board Meetings · Open to stakeholder observers

Leading KIEDA's regional economic development strategy, stakeholder engagement, site recruitment, and grant facilitation across six Kentucky counties.

The Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance is guided by the leadership of six counties working together to advance economic opportunity, infrastructure, and investment along the I-71 corridor.

Alongside county leadership, KIEDA's board includes private sector, utility, and economic development representatives who bring industry expertise and regional market knowledge to alliance governance.

Public Governance, Private Agility

KIEDA board meetings are held bi-monthly and are open to stakeholder observers at the Corridor Champion level. Meeting agendas, minutes, and annual reports are available upon request.

Meeting Schedule: Bi-Monthly · Meeting Format: In-Person + Virtual · Observer Access: Champion Tier · Annual Report: Available on Request

The I-71 Corridor

Six Counties. One Strategy.

From the Ohio River to the Louisville metro, the I-71 Corridor spans 2,800+ square miles of industrial, agricultural, and recreational opportunity—unified under one regional economic alliance.

The I-71 Corridor occupies the strategic midpoint between Louisville, KY (population 800K+) and Cincinnati, OH (population 2.2M+)—placing the region within a 90-minute drive of over 3 million people and two major logistics hubs.

Louisville, KY — 45 min · UPS Worldport · SDF Airport · Port of Louisville

Cincinnati, OH — 60 min · CVG Airport · Amazon Air Hub · Ohio River Ports

Electric Grid: Multiple utilities, industrial capacity · Rail Access: CSX freight corridor nearby · Highway: I-71 full corridor access · Industrial Sites: Certified + development pipeline

Warsaw · Pop. 9,200 · 99 sq mi · Ohio River frontage · I-71 / US-42 access · Industrial corridor positioning

Carrollton · Pop. 10,800 · 130 sq mi · I-71 interchange · Ohio River riverport · Airport infrastructure

Owenton · Pop. 11,000 · 352 sq mi · Agricultural assets · Development-ready land · Rural broadband expansion

New Castle · Pop. 16,200 · 289 sq mi · Growing industrial base · KY-55 highway access · Brownfield opportunities

Bedford · Pop. 9,100 · 157 sq mi · Ohio River access · Utility expansion zone · Small town revitalization

La Grange · Pop. 69,000 · 197 sq mi · Largest economy in corridor · Metro Louisville adjacency · Strong workforce base

Infrastructure

Built for Industrial Scale

The I-71 Corridor offers industrial-grade electric, water, sewer, gas, fiber, and transportation infrastructure capable of supporting manufacturing, logistics, data centers, and high-load users.

The corridor is served by multiple electric utilities including Duke Energy, Kentucky Utilities, and municipal providers. Industrial substations are positioned along the corridor to support manufacturing, data centers, and high-load users.

Water supply is supported by regional water districts drawing from the Ohio River and groundwater sources. Active expansion of sewer infrastructure is funded through ARC and USDA-RD grants.

Corridor-wide broadband expansion is underway through state and federal funding. Industrial parks are prioritized for high-speed fiber connectivity to support data centers and advanced manufacturing.

Natural gas is available through Columbia Gas of Kentucky with distribution networks serving primary industrial areas. Line extensions are available for qualified industrial projects.

Interstate 71 provides the corridor's spine with direct access to Louisville and Cincinnati metro areas. Secondary highways provide last-mile connectivity to industrial parks throughout all six counties.

CSX freight rail operates near the corridor with regional intermodal connectivity. Industrial sites with rail spur potential are available for operators requiring freight rail access.

Multi-shift industrial electric, water, and gas capacity for large-scale production.

I-71 direct access with truck routes, cross-dock sites, and last-mile positioning.

Industrial power, fiber connectivity, and scalable land for hyperscale or edge deployments.

Substations capable of serving energy-intensive operations in metals, plastics, chemicals.

KIEDA is actively coordinating with utilities and government partners to expand infrastructure capacity ahead of demand. Current expansion projects include water system upgrades in Carroll and Trimble counties, fiber backbone extension through Owen County, and substation upgrades to support industrial recruitment.

Water Expansion — Carroll, Trimble (Funded) · Fiber Backbone — Owen, Henry (In Progress) · Substation Upgrades — Oldham, Carroll (Planned)

Site Selector Database

Available Sites & Buildings

Searchable database of available industrial, commercial, and development-ready properties across the six-county I-71 Corridor.

Don't See What You Need? Submit a confidential inquiry with your requirements and KIEDA will source available properties across the corridor.

Submit a Confidential Inquiry

Private Stakeholders

Invest in the Corridor

KIEDA's private stakeholder program connects businesses, developers, and investors to the region's economic development agenda—before projects go public.

KIEDA is not a chamber. We are a strategic economic development authority that moves capital, secures grants, and recruits businesses to the I-71 Corridor. Private stakeholders don't just support the organization—they shape its direction.

$300M+ in corridor investment facilitated

Early visibility into regional projects and site opportunities, direct access to decision-makers across six counties, and increased deal flow through regional alignment.

Position your company at the center of corridor growth with visibility across multiple counties and association with a unified regional economic strategy.

A seat at the table in shaping regional priorities with direct input on workforce, infrastructure, and development initiatives, and stronger relationships with public leadership.

Real-time insight into projects, RFIs, and regional trends with awareness of upcoming opportunities before they hit the open market.

Direct connections to industry leaders, developers, and utilities through curated stakeholder gatherings and access to a growing regional partner network.

$5,000 annual investment aligned with regional deal flow and visibility. Opportunities to generate business that far exceed your annual contribution.

Private Stakeholder · $5,000 / year

Logo recognition on the KIEDA website and materials

Early visibility into regional projects, site opportunities, and RFIs before they hit the open market

Bi-monthly private stakeholder briefings with corridor leaders and elected officials

Direct access to decision-makers across all six corridor counties

Invitations to curated stakeholder roundtables and biannual regional summits

Direct connections to industry leaders, developers, and utility partners

Input on workforce, infrastructure, and regional development priorities

Recognition at KIEDA public events and across corridor materials

Newsletter and real-time corridor project updates

Private Investors Who Believe in the Corridor

These organizations have committed to the I-71 Corridor's future by investing in KIEDA's regional development mission.

Ready to Join the Alliance?

Contact KIEDA's Executive Director to discuss stakeholder opportunities and how your organization fits the corridor's strategic plan.

KIEDA Strategic Framework

Pillars of Alignment

KIEDA organizes its regional work around six interconnected pillars — each one targeting a critical dimension of corridor growth and quality of life.

Six Pillars. One Corridor. Each pillar represents a strategic commitment — and a set of objectives KIEDA is actively working to advance across Gallatin, Carroll, Owen, Henry, Trimble, and Oldham counties.

Cultivate the Investment — Economic Development

Creating and marketing developable sites, building relationships with brokers, land owners, and site selectors to drive new investment to the corridor.

Cultivate the Business Community — Chambers of Commerce

Connecting and growing the corridor's business community through networking, programming, and a unified regional identity.

Cultivate the Workforce — Non-Profits, Charities, Workforce & Healthcare

Aligning training pipelines, charitable organizations, and healthcare providers to build the human capital the corridor depends on.

Cultivate the Community — Housing & Public Safety

Addressing housing availability, affordability, and public safety to ensure the corridor can attract and retain the workforce that regional growth requires.

Cultivate the Influence & Advocacy — Local, State & Federal Efforts

Representing the corridor's interests at every level of government to secure infrastructure funding, policy support, and utility investment.

Cultivate the Momentum — Private Stakeholders

Sustaining and accelerating corridor progress through committed private investment, strategic access, and shared regional intelligence.

Ready to Align with the Corridor? Contact KIEDA to explore how your organization can support or benefit from one of our six pillars.

Cultivate the Investment

Economic Development

Creating the conditions for lasting regional investment.

KIEDA drives economic growth across the I-71 Corridor by identifying, preparing, and marketing developable sites while building strong relationships with brokers, land owners, and site selectors.

The Investment pillar focuses on building the physical and relational infrastructure that attracts businesses to the corridor. From expanding shovel-ready sites to ensuring developers and brokers have the intelligence they need, KIEDA functions as the region's primary economic development engine.

Create & Increase Developable Sites — Identify, prepare, and certify additional land across the six-county corridor to meet industrial and commercial demand.

Massaging Communications with Brokers & Land Owners — Maintain active, proactive relationships with site selectors, commercial brokers, and landowners to ensure corridor properties stay top-of-mind for incoming projects.

Cultivate the Business Community

Chambers of Commerce

Strengthening the commercial fabric of the corridor.

KIEDA works hand-in-hand with the local Chambers of Commerce across the six-county corridor to build a connected, thriving business community that supports retention, expansion, and new business attraction.

The Business Community pillar bridges KIEDA's regional strategy with the day-to-day needs of local businesses. Through staffing support, networking, and signature programs, KIEDA helps the corridor's business community grow together.

Staffing — Support local businesses in addressing workforce and staffing needs through partnerships and regional coordination.

Mega Networking — Facilitate large-scale regional networking events that connect businesses, civic leaders, and economic development partners.

71 Aligned — Promote corridor-wide business alignment and a unified identity that positions the region competitively.

LEAD 71 — Develop and support a regional leadership pipeline that prepares the next generation of corridor business and civic leaders.

Programs & Events — Coordinate programs, workshops, and events that add value to the business community and strengthen inter-county collaboration.

Cultivate the Workforce

Non-Profits, Charities, Workforce & Healthcare

Building the human capital that powers regional growth.

KIEDA aligns workforce development, charitable organizations, and healthcare providers to ensure the corridor has the talent, support systems, and health infrastructure needed to attract and retain employers.

A strong regional economy depends on more than land and infrastructure — it requires a skilled, healthy, and supported workforce. KIEDA coordinates across sectors to strengthen the corridor's human capital pipeline from K-12 through career.

Training Programs (K-12 / Secondary / KentuckianaWorks / NKADD) — Partner with educational institutions and workforce agencies to develop training pipelines that connect students and workers to corridor career opportunities.

Charity Alignment & Support — Engage and support non-profit and charitable organizations that reinforce community resilience and quality of life across the corridor.

Healthcare Alignment & Support — Collaborate with healthcare providers and systems to improve regional health access, infrastructure, and workforce as a competitive advantage for business attraction.

Cultivate the Community

Housing & Public Safety

Creating places where people want to live, work, and stay.

KIEDA addresses two of the most critical quality-of-life factors for corridor competitiveness: housing availability and public safety. Attracting employers means attracting workers — and workers need safe, affordable communities.

The Community pillar recognizes that economic development doesn't end at the plant gate. KIEDA engages housing experts, safety officials, and community leaders to ensure the corridor can support the workforce and families that regional growth depends on.

Housing Experts Engaged in Dialed-In Conversations — Convene housing professionals, developers, and local officials for focused dialogue on corridor housing needs and solutions.

Housing Studies — Commission and leverage housing needs assessments to guide strategic planning and attract housing investment across the six counties.

First Responder Support / Opioid Task Force / Communications — Support public safety initiatives including first responder resourcing, opioid response coordination, and community safety communications.

Cultivate the Influence & Advocacy

Local, State & Federal Efforts

A unified corridor voice in the rooms where decisions are made.

KIEDA represents the I-71 Corridor at every level of government — from local chambers and county courts to Frankfort and Washington D.C. — advocating for the infrastructure funding, policy support, and utility investment that drives growth.

No single county has the leverage that six can have together. KIEDA's advocacy work ensures that corridor priorities are heard at the state legislature, in Congressional offices, and in utility boardrooms. This pillar transforms regional alignment into political and fiscal results.

AD Districts (Granting) — Engage with Area Development Districts to leverage grant opportunities that fund regional infrastructure and economic development projects.

Advocating for the General Assembly, Congress & Local Government on Behalf of Infrastructure and Projects — Actively represent corridor interests before state and federal legislative bodies to secure appropriations, policy changes, and program support.

Utility Support — Work with electric, water, sewer, gas, and fiber utilities to expand capacity and reliability across the corridor in support of industrial and commercial growth.

Cultivate the Momentum

Private Stakeholders

Fueling the corridor through committed private investment.

Private stakeholders are the fuel behind KIEDA's mission. By investing in the corridor's future, these organizations gain direct access to regional intelligence, leadership, and opportunities — while directly powering the work that makes the corridor competitive.

The Momentum pillar is about sustaining and accelerating the progress KIEDA has built. Private stakeholders don't just support the work — they shape it. Through bi-monthly roundtables, early project visibility, and direct access to corridor leadership, KIEDA's private stakeholder program turns investment into influence.

Early Visibility into Regional Projects & Opportunities — Private stakeholders receive intelligence on site inquiries, development projects, and investment opportunities before they're public.

Bi-Monthly Stakeholder Roundtables — Meet regularly with corridor leaders, elected officials, and peer investors to stay aligned and help shape the regional development agenda.

Biannual Regional Summits — Participate in signature convening events that bring together public officials, developers, site selectors, and investors from across the corridor.

Direct Access to KIEDA Leadership — KIEDA's Executive Director and Board are directly accessible to private stakeholders for project facilitation and strategic introductions.

Regional Recognition — Receive recognition across KIEDA materials, events, and communications as a committed partner in corridor growth.

High-Load Opportunity

Data Center & High-Load Industrial Sites

Power. Land. Connectivity. Between two major metros. The I-71 Corridor is positioned for the next generation of data center and high-load industrial development.

Power Availability — Industrial-Grade — Multiple utility providers with substation capacity for hyperscale and edge deployments.

Fiber Connectivity — Expanding Network — Active backbone deployment with carrier-neutral connectivity expanding through the corridor.

Metro Proximity — 90-Min Radius — Within 90 minutes of both Louisville and Cincinnati metro markets—two major financial and commercial hubs.

Land Scale — 100–1,000+ Acres — Large, contiguous development tracts available at competitive pricing. Zoning support available.

Incentive Support — State + Local — KEDFA incentives, county-level tax abatements, and KIEDA project facilitation for qualified users.

Regulatory Support — Fast-Track Available — KIEDA coordinates permitting, utility connections, and public approvals to compress project timelines.

45 min to Louisville SDF / UPS Worldport · 60 min to Cincinnati CVG / Amazon Air · 1,000+ Acres Available · Multiple Electric Utility Providers

Confidential Project Inquiry

All submissions are handled with strict confidentiality

Tourism & Quality of Life

A Place Worth Living In

The I-71 Corridor offers more than economic opportunity—it offers a quality of life that supports workforce retention, business recruitment, and a growing visitor economy.

Low Cost · Below national average

45–75 min · To Louisville or Cincinnati

Safe · Below state average

Rural · Small-town, community-focused

Riverfront Parks & Marinas — The Ohio River forms the corridor's northern and eastern boundary, offering boating, fishing, and waterfront recreation across Carroll, Gallatin, and Trimble counties.

Distilleries & Agritourism — The I-71 Corridor sits at the edge of Kentucky's legendary Bourbon Country. Several distilleries and agritourism operations are accessible within 30 minutes of the corridor.

State Parks & Trail Systems — Kincaid Lake State Park and regional trail networks provide outdoor recreation assets that attract visitors and support quality-of-life recruitment for employers.

Small Town Dining & Events — Corridor communities host farmers markets, river festivals, and local dining scenes that attract visitors from Louisville and Cincinnati on weekend trips.

Quality of Life is an Economic Asset

Employers tell us consistently that talent retention and recruitment are top site selection factors. The I-71 Corridor's combination of affordable living, natural assets, and access to two major metros creates a compelling case for employees choosing where to plant roots.

Workforce Retention — Affordable housing and natural amenities help employers retain talent recruited from metro areas.

Visitor Economy Growth — Tourism investment generates local spending that supports small businesses in corridor communities.

Community Vitality — Active, invested communities are more attractive to business recruitment and new residents.

Metro Day-Trip Market — 4M+ metro residents within 75 minutes—a significant weekend visitor market for agritourism and river recreation.

News & Updates

Corridor News

Project announcements, corridor wins, grant awards, and organizational updates from KIEDA and the I-71 region.

Stay Informed

Get KIEDA corridor updates, project announcements, and economic intelligence delivered to your inbox.

KIEDA Secures $6.8M EPA Brownfields Grant for Henry County Redevelopment — The Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance has been awarded a $6.8 million EPA Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup grant to remediate 30 acres of former industrial land in Henry County, paving the way for new manufacturing investment.

Oldham County Industrial Park Achieves Kentucky Certified Site Designation — Following a $4.2 million infrastructure investment facilitated by KIEDA, the Oldham County Industrial Park has received Kentucky Certified Site status—making it shovel-ready for national site selection processes.

USDA ReConnect Funds Corridor Broadband Expansion Through Owen and Henry Counties — A $9.1 million USDA ReConnect award will fund last-mile fiber deployment across Owen and Henry counties, closing major broadband gaps and enabling industrial connectivity.

KIEDA Launches 2026 Private Stakeholder Program with Three New Investment Tiers — The Alliance announces its restructured private stakeholder program, creating three engagement tiers for businesses and investors seeking to participate in corridor economic development.

KIEDA Board Approves 2026 Strategic Plan Focused on Industrial Recruitment and Infrastructure — At its December meeting, the KIEDA Board of Directors unanimously approved the 2026 Strategic Plan, prioritizing industrial site certification, data center recruitment, and utility infrastructure expansion.

Carroll County Airport Runway Extension Complete; Hangar Expansion Underway — The Carroll County Regional Airport has completed its runway extension project—the first phase of a $12 million aviation infrastructure investment coordinated by KIEDA.

Contact KIEDA

Let's Talk About Your Project

Whether you're a site selector, developer, investor, or stakeholder—KIEDA's team is ready to connect you with corridor resources and opportunities.

All inquiries are reviewed by KIEDA staff and responded to within one business day. Confidential project inquiries are handled with strict discretion.

info@ky71alliance.com

(502) 555-1234

I-71 Corridor, Kentucky — Gallatin, Carroll, Owen, Henry, Trimble, Oldham

Sensitive site selection and development inquiries are handled with complete discretion. Check the confidential box on the form and your project details will not be shared publicly.

Submit a Project Inquiry

Inquiry Received

KIEDA staff will respond to your inquiry within one business day. If you selected confidential, your information will be handled with full discretion.

Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance · Six Counties. One Corridor.

About · About KIEDA · Board of Directors

The Corridor · Corridor Overview · Gallatin County · Carroll County · Owen County · Henry County · Trimble County · Oldham County

Sites & Buildings

Infrastructure

Projects

Investors

Alignments · Pillars Overview · Economic Development · Chambers of Commerce · Workforce & Healthcare · Housing & Public Safety · Influence & Advocacy · Private Stakeholders

News

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Connecting Communities. Advancing Opportunity. Strengthening the I-71 Corridor.

Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance

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