LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Hardin County is preparing for the growth of its community as construction of Ford twin battery plants continues.
What You Need To Know
- Louisville Water will supply water to Hardin County Water District #2 for 50 more years
- The agreement secures abundant water for a growing Hardin County
- The Ford plant there will create 500 jobs
- A family-owned restaurant is also preparing for people who will move into the area
An agreement between Louisville Water and Hardin County Water District #2 is securing a 50-year supply of water for the area. The water supply agreement will also support neighboring Bullitt and Nelson counties. The water company isn’t alone in its efforts to get ready.
A lot can change over 50 years, but at The Whistle Stop family restaurant, there’s one thing that hasn’t. “The original menu will always stay the same here,” said Jamie Henley. Henley is the director of operations at The Whistle Stop.
We first met her nearly a nearly ago when Ford first announced the construction of the twin battery plants. Henley says it’s their southern food that keeps growling stomachs coming back to The Whistle Stop. “I think it’s a staple in the community. It’s been here for so long and people’s first date, their prom have been spent here. Many memories, many family memories are spent here,” said Henley.
They also attract visitors from across the nation and globe, but it’s future Ford plant employees they are preparing for.
“We will be opening this for buffet-style dining in the future to accommodate the business getting bigger with Ford and all the new companies coming in,” said Henley.
The electric battery plants located a short drive from the restaurant promise 5,000 new jobs.
“I’m really excited about it. It’s bringing, you know more jobs, more revenue to people, and better opportunities for the locals to have,” said Henley.
Production will begin in 2025, but the plant is already making an impact.
“Local business has slowed down a little bit because of the construction going on, but we are accommodating to all the construction workers and to the KU workers. They all come in and have lunch with us all the time. We’ve got to meet some new people that you know are not from this community that are now living here,” said Henley.
Henley says The Whistle Stop is planning to expand the space behind the restaurant to allow for outdoor dining.
The hope is to have the buffet open next summer well ahead of the arrival of new neighbors.