Contact: Ricki Clark
Kentucky Department for Local Government
502/573-2382

For Immediate Release
Special for Versailles and Woodford County

Frankfort, Ky. (July 27, 2001) – Gov. Paul Patton announced today that the city of Versailles is the recipient of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in the amount of $500,000 for the Osram Sylvania Infrastructure Project.

The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers the CDBG program in Kentucky.

Osram Sylvania plans to invest $30 million into the construction of a 632,000 square-foot distribution facility in the city of Versailles. The facility will store and ship glass lighting products manufactured at the company’s plants throughout the United States.

The company will initially create 100 new jobs.

CDBG funds will be used to extend about 11,000 linear feet of 12-inch water line to the facility in order to meet fire suppression requirements.

Gov. Patton said, “While we are always working to recruit new business and industry to Kentucky, we jump at the chance to help an existing business that has provided employment and economic security for Kentuckians.”

DLG Commissioner Jody Lassiter said, “The investment of CDBG dollars into this business expansion is an example of good government by providing funds to a proven business so that business can offer good paying jobs to Kentuckians.”

These funds are made available by DLG through the U.S. Department for Housing and Urban Development. DLG administers the CDBG Small Cities program in Kentucky, which makes funding available to eligible cities and counties for community development activities.

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