Earlier this week, the White House announced grants from funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021. Ascend Elements was awarded $480.5 million to support electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing in Kentucky. The company will locate a manufacturing operation known as Apex 1 in Christian County, initially creating 250 full-time jobs.

The White House announcement included 20 projects in 12 states totaling a $2.8 billion investment to support the American Battery Materials Initiative, a new effort to establish a reliable and sustainable supply of critical minerals used for power, electricity and EVs.

“Today’s announcement is incredible news for Ascend Elements, the Christian County community, and the commonwealth as we work together to cement Kentucky’s place as a national leader in the fast-growing electric vehicle market,” Gov. Beshear said. “These grants position Ascend Elements to take their business to the next level and emphasize that leaders at the federal level – as we do in Kentucky – recognize the importance of investing in companies that are helping to drive this industry forward.”

Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with support from the Kentucky Chamber. In the Senate, it was strongly supported by Leader Mitch McConnell. In addition to Kentucky benefitting from competitive grant funds, Kentucky will also receive $4.6 billion over the next five years for infrastructure projects including opportunities to secure funding for critical projects like the Brent Spence Bridge in Northern Kentucky and the I-69 bridge in Henderson, according to Senator Mitch McConnell’s office.

The grant money “will help the Commonwealth secure its place as a manufacturing powerhouse,” McConnell said in a press release.

“This project – which will allow us to source important battery components domestically instead of from rival countries like China – only add to the significance of this grant for our country,” McConnell said.

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