Extension
It Starts With Us
Ballard County's Plan for the Future
Ballard County Leadership, Community and Economic Development
Paula Jerrell, Tom Miller, FCS Agent
Community Strategic Planning
In the last few months, the major employer in Ballard County has completely shut down after over 40 years as a first rate employer. The major employer in McCracken County and the second largest employer of Ballard County workers has greatly reduced its operations over the past few year. The new 4 lane highway 60 has been stopped at the Ballard County line for almost 10 years completely halting expansion or new building in our major towns that may be bypassed. The road discussion is picking up again.
Employment opportunities for citizens of Ballard County will improve as new employment options become available. Economic growth will improve with the completion of a new 4 lane road through the county.
Ballard County Citizens will develop a plan to address employment opportunities in the future and to address the funding and route of new 4 lane highway 60 through the county.
Ballard County citizens will recognize the impact that the latest plant closing will have on all economic activity in Ballard County.
Ballard County Citizens will have input on setting the direction for the next few years
Initial Outcome: Participants will have input
Indicator: # of participants
Method: participant survey
Timeline: at conclusion of each listening session
Intermediate Outcome: Ballard County Plan will be developed
Indicator: Finished Plan
Method: participant survey
Timeline: 2018-19
Long-term Outcome: Employment opportunities will improve
Indicator: lower unemployment rate
Method: use state and federal statistics on unemployment
Timeline: 2019-20
Audience: Ballard County Citizens
Project or Activity: Needs assessment and SWOT analysis
Content or Curriculum: Current needs vs Future needs
Inputs: CED faculty as moderators, Ballard Extension Agents Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Board
Date: Throughout 2019-20
Audience: Ballard County Citizens
Project or Activity: Develop opportunities based results of listening sessions
Content or Curriculum: Strategic Plan Development
Inputs: CED faculty as moderators, Ballard Extension Agents Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Board
Date: 2020
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
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Author: Thomas Miller
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
Like many rural counties in Kentucky, Ballard County has a problem with bridges on secondary roads and their ability to withstand larger and larger farm equipment, grain truck traffic and general decay from years of service.Tom Miller, Ballard County Agent for Ag and Natural Resources attended the Ky Soybean Board Promotion Day at Murray State University in January 2023. Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, gave a presentation on “Top 20 innov
