Economic development leader outlines plans for 121-acre Massey site and recent local investments
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Summary
The city’s economic development CEO updated the commission on the 121-acre Massey property (annexation introduced), remaining Air Park parcels and several recent expansions and investments that together aim to add jobs and build industrial capacity in Owensboro.
Claude Bacon, president and CEO of the economic development corporation, told the Owensboro City Commission on Feb. 3 that the organization’s strategy is focused on attracting large industrial projects and that the city-owned 121-acre Massey property is being prepared as the next major site for development. "That goal is making greater Owensboro even greater," Bacon said.
Bacon said the city completed the Massey purchase in September 2025 and has marketed the property; a request for information is active and a Kentucky product development initiative grant application is under review at the state. City staff introduced Ordinance 1-2026 on first reading to annex 121.605 acres at the 3500–4300 block of West Parrish Avenue into the city to support site preparation such as entrances and utilities.
Bacon also reported that Mid America Air Park has four tracks under option and roughly 35 acres remain available across the park, putting Massey in position as the next build-ready site. He highlighted recent local private investment and expansions, citing: R and L Transportation (a roughly $25,000,000 investment with 63 jobs), an upcoming near-$156,000,000 expansion described for "Ms. Khan" expected to add about 44 jobs, and a nearly completed UniFirst $28,000,000 expansion. Bacon also noted an $18,000,000 indoor theme-park project he referenced as "Maui's" with about 125 new jobs and other projects that continue to generate local press coverage.
Jamie Johnson, vice president of workforce development, small business and entrepreneurship, briefed commissioners on workforce indicators tied to those projects: "Our average annual wages rose from $52,126 to $53,489," she said, a 2.6% increase, and Davis County added roughly 335 workers to its labor force in 2025. Johnson described programs tied to training and business retention, including the Greater Owensboro Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education, Elevate Owensboro mentorships and a reentry success program tied to the county detention center.
City staff and Bacon emphasized that annexation and site preparation are preliminary steps: the ordinances were introduced on first reading and additional approvals and studies will be required. Bacon said the city is "cautiously optimistic" about state grant funding that would support initial studies and a build-ready pad and entrance off Parrish Avenue. The commission did not take a final vote on the annexation ordinances at the Feb. 3 meeting; the ordinances were presented on first reading.
Next steps: staff said the annexation ordinances will return for a second reading at a subsequent meeting and the city will notify the commission when the state grant decision is known.
