The Columbia-Adair County Economic Development Authority discussed a nearly $2 million Kentucky Product Development Initiative Round 2B grant, a potential opportunity zone designation for Green River Commerce Park and the possibility of providing land for a permanent farmers market during its June 17 meeting.
The EDA has not yet received paperwork for the grant but expects it later this month. During the 2026 legislative session, the funding structure was changed from a 50-50 match to an 85-15 match.
The change would allow the EDA to construct a spec building estimated to cost about $650,000.
Consultant Heather Spoon updated board members on efforts to secure an opportunity zone designation for Green River Commerce Park.
According to the Kentucky League of Cities, “An opportunity zone is an economically distressed area where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. Legislation temporarily allows taxpayers to defer the recognition of capital gains that are invested in opportunity zones.”
Spoon said Adair County currently has one designated opportunity zone in Sparksville based on census data.
Green River Commerce Park was deemed ineligible during the last designation process because median income levels exceeded qualifying thresholds.
Spoon said she was encouraged to submit the commerce park for consideration and provide supporting documentation explaining why the area should qualify.
Spoon said she spent significant time researching and compiling data for the application.
“My argument here was that the emerging and prime workforce who is under 44 [years old] is actually not at that threshold, it’s actually under what the state says is disqualifying us,” said Spoon.
Spoon said residents whose incomes push the area’s median income above the qualifying level are retired or are commuting elsewhere for work and bringing income back into the county.
The new opportunity zone designations will take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and remain in place for 10 years.
Spoon also discussed the possibility of hiring the Golden Shovel Agency to develop a new EDA website and marketing platform.
The current website is hosted through Squarespace at a cost of $8.90 per month. Spoon said the existing site was one she created herself, while Golden Shovel specializes in professional economic development websites and marketing services. Depending on the features selected, the cost could range from $2,500 to $5,000 annually.
Board members also discussed a request from the Adair County Farmers Market for assistance in finding a permanent location.
Spoon said she had been contacted by Darrell Andrew regarding the issue.
“So basically, the farmers market existence relies upon the city’s grace, the city council, and I think he is kind of concerned that the next city council or the next mayor or whatever may not support the farmers market,” said Spoon. “They may not want to give that parking lot, you know, all that space to the farmers market. So, I think they are feeling a lit bit of uncertainty on what if.”
Spoon said the EDA owns a tract of land along Campbellsville Rd. that is not large enough for industrial development because of existing easements. She said grant opportunities are available for farmers markets, including funding from USDA, Kentucky Proud and the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy to help fund farmers market facilities.
The EDA would retain ownership of the property, and any structure built on the site would revert to the EDA if the farmers market ceased operations.
Board members discussed similar facilities recently constructed in neighboring counties. Spoon noted the proposed location would not be within the main portion of Green River Commerce Park.
Spoon said providing space for the farmers market could help promote the community and enhance quality of life near the industrial park.
Board members agreed they would be receptive to reviewing a proposal once the farmers market secures funding and develops plans for a facility.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
