Commerce Park II, water infrastructure among fiscal court’s legislative priorities

As state lawmakers get back to work in Frankfort, Christian County Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam shared the Fiscal Court's legislative priorities in his State of the County address at Tuesday’s local Agri-Business Association meeting.

Before diving into his legislative goals, Gilliam shared the Christian County Fiscal Court's accomplishments over the past three years. During that time, the county’s real estate tax rate has decreased while property valuations have increased; the county’s relationship with Fort Campbell has improved and over 1,300 new jobs were created or are pending. Then, last year 456 new residential units were constructed in the county.

Looking toward the future, Gilliam says he would like to see the progress of those current accomplishments continue. He and members of the fiscal court also want to make headway on their strategic goals, which focus on expanding housing, financial stability, population growth, creating jobs and enhancing safety.

By creating more affordable housing and attainable jobs, Gilliam says he hopes to see poverty rates decline.

Regarding financial stability, Gilliam says they are going to continue to try and reduce the financial burden of the local jail. He says the jail is able to house state, federal and ICE inmates to create some revenue.

On Tuesday, lawmakers gaveled in for the 2026 session of the Kentucky General Assembly, and Gilliam shared projects that he hopes receive state funding this year. A couple of the funding priorities include a $17 million investment in Commerce Park II and a $9.2 million water and sewer system expansion project in Oak Grove.

Gilliam says the industrial park is one of the best sites for economic development in the region, and he has talked with Representative Myron Dossett and Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell about making a portion of the industrial park agriculture certified.

Then, Gilliam says Oak Grove’s water and sewer systems need upgrades as the city’s population continues to grow. He says U.S. Representative James Comer has already helped secure some funding for the project.

The remaining priorities include $20 million for KY 115 improvements; $29.5 million for the Christian County Water District to expand capacity, modernize older infrastructure and support industrial development; $2 million to upgrade Western Hills Municipal Golf Course; $50 million to renovate historic county buildings and $2 million to renovate parts of the Alhambra Theatre.