(WKYT) – The University of Kentucky will receive the final piece of funding needed to complete construction of a new agricultural research building.
Sen. Mitch McConnell announced on Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding the university more than $26 million to complete its new forage-animal production unit.
McConnell had previously helped the university secure over $66 million for the facility since 2020.
“I’m honored to have helped secure funding for the establishment and construction of this project over the years, and it’s great to see this final piece go into place for Kentucky’s leading agricultural research lab,” he said. “There is no doubt this funding will help the University of Kentucky continue to solidify itself as the center for agricultural research in the commonwealth.”
UK President Eli Capilouto said the funding represents a big step forward for the university.
“The University of Kentucky is deeply grateful to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for this significant investment in agricultural research and to Senator Mitch McConnell for his steadfast leadership in helping make this project a reality. This funding represents a transformative step forward for the Agricultural Research Service Forage-Animal Production Unit and reinforces Kentucky’s position as a national leader in agricultural innovation,” he said.