Franklin County Fiscal Court approves interlocal agreement to pursue Keaton Lane industrial authority amid strong public opposition

Frankfort — Franklin County Fiscal Court approved a resolution on Nov. 26 authorizing an interlocal agreement to create the Keaton Lane Industrial Development Authority, a regional body the county and neighboring jurisdictions say is required to apply for state industrial site grants.

The vote followed more than two hours of public comment and a lengthy question-and-answer session with county counsel Gil Johnson, economic development staff and magistrates. Dozens of residents urged the court to stop the proposal, citing transparency, local control and environmental risks; others argued the region needs jobs and tax revenue to fund public services.

"Rushing forward now will only compound the damage," said John Carlton during public comment, arguing the comprehensive-plan process had repeatedly rejected the site and warning of potential Open Meetings Act issues. Several residents and neighborhood representatives described farms and homes immediately adjacent to the mapped site and raised concerns about water, light pollution and the loss of topsoil. "Please take a deep breath of humility," said Trina…