HENDERSON, KY (DEC. 3, 2024) – Rail transportation company, CSX, has awarded the 4Star Regional Industrial Park in Robards, Kentucky as one of thirty-nine Bronze Level Select Site.
The largest Build-Ready site in Kentucky, the Sandy Lee Watkins Build Ready Site, is ready for a new industry to move in and break ground. This approval is proof to a company that unknown obstacles have been removed, that the site due diligence has been performed and the project implementation timeline has been significantly accelerated.
“I have seen first-hand the power of a site receiving this special designation,” Brad Schneider, Henderson County Judge Executive, said. “CSX has enormous marketing resources and a network of industrial contacts that is impossible for any local economic development agency to match. I also think this news speaks volumes about the foresight and aggressiveness of the 4 Star Board of Directors and the team at Henderson Economic Development. They partnered to pursue grants that helped build the pad, made the investment to assure its completion and then convinced CSX of its worthiness as a Select Site. I can’t wait to see that hard work rewarded with a groundbreaking for a new industry there that employs citizens from all around our region.”
The Bronze Level recognition at 4Star will have an economic impact on the surrounding counties by the creation of new job opportunities and incentivize new capital investments into our communities.
“The designation of the 4Star Industrial Park as a CSX Select Site is a testament to the power of regional partnerships and collaboration, of which, McLean County Fiscal Court is proud to be a contributing partner,” Curtis Dame, McLean County Judge Executive, said. “This achievement showcases our commitment to fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and positioning our region as a prime destination for industry and innovation. By working together across communities and leveraging the strengths of public and private partners, we’ve set the stage for long-term prosperity and sustainable development. This milestone highlights the extraordinary potential of the 4Star Industrial Park and our shared vision for the future.”
The presentation of the 4Star award is one that Missy Vanderpool, Executive Director of Henderson Economic Development is proud to show the community, and the world.
“The recognition of the 4Star Regional Industrial Park as a CSX Bronze Level Select Site solidifies Henderson’s position as a prime location for economic growth and innovation,” Vanderpool said. “This designation is more than an accolade—it’s a validation of our vision, the strategic planning of our 4-Star Board of Directors, and the collaborative spirit of our regional partners. We are excited to see this designation open new doors for transformative industries and significant job creation, fueling prosperity for our region.”
CSX has been aggressively pursuing sites who are available for good economic development and growth across their twenty-six-state system. Industrial Development Manager for CSX, Jody Lassiter, presented the Bronze Level award to 4Star board members today in Henderson, KY.
“I can only sense that there are great things to come and we’re not going to be waiting for a very long time to see an announcement with good job creation and good capital investment in this location,” Lassiter said.
The 4Star Board of Executives are thankful for the recognition from CSX and are ready to show the Sandy Lee Watkins site to potential new industries.
