LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Three Kentucky counties received national recognition for economic development after attracting major investments and creating thousands of jobs.
Simpson, Mercer and Jefferson counties were included in Site Selection magazine's latest rankings of America's Best Counties.
Simpson County tied for first place, and Mercer County ranked sixth in the magazine's top 20 per capita rankings. Jefferson County ranked 13th in the top 20 total projects category.
Several high-profile projects helped put the counties on the list, including expansions from companies such as Kroger, Apple, GE Appliances and Ford.
In Simpson County, Kroger announced a $391 million distribution center in Franklin expected to create 430 jobs.
Mercer County's ranking was boosted by Apple's announcement of a more than $2.1 billion expansion.
In Jefferson County, GE Appliances announced a $490 million manufacturing expansion expected to create 800 jobs, while Ford Motor Co.'s Louisville Assembly Plant announced a $1.9 billion expansion.
According to the governor's office, Jefferson County's 30 projects last year brought nearly $3 billion in capital investment and created more than 2,300 jobs.
Gov. Andy Beshear said Kentucky has announced more than 1,300 private-sector expansion and new-location projects totaling more than $50 billion in investment and creating more than 70,000 jobs.
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