Buffalo Trace Distillery’s project will put 17 historic bourbon warehouses
in the center of a large 400+ acre tract of land — the rest will remain farmland and native wetlands/woodlands. Keeping with our generations-deep tradition as a responsible community partner, we have crafted a thoughtful, detailed plan for smart growth that balances the built and natural environments of Franklin County.

Business expansion in Franklin County means vital jobs, economic growth
and tax revenue that support and enhance local services and schools. As one of our community’s oldest and largest employers, we are proud of our enduring history here — as both a primary economic engine and strong supporter of a wide range of community organizations.

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s project will preserve the rural character of this section of the Elkhorn Creek valley, protecting approximately 100 acres of native wetlands, woodlands and farmland, unlike proposed residential housing developments on the same property. We are excited about this unique opportunity to expand, while also protecting and preserving the natural habitat of this land for future generations to enjoy.

Text amendments require extensive public comment and if passed will limit where Buffalo Trace Distillery, or other economic development projects, can locate to protect the rural nature of much of our county. In fact, this lengthy process allows for significantly more community input than traditional zoning changes — with local officials already having heard more than 10 hours of public comment on this issue to date.

As written, the text amendment proposed by the Planning Commission leaves very limited opportunity for any future development projects. Slightly revising the text amendment to include rural residential and lower setbacks will propel Franklin County forward. This process establishes a vital pathway for responsible new growth — that will benefit our entire community.