12-05-2025
Fiscal Court presents $1 million check toward Fairgrounds project
Following a special-called meeting Wednesday, April 30, the Laurel County Fiscal Court presented a $1 million check to London Tourism and Parks in support of the London-Laurel Regional Fairgrounds project currently underway.
The funding was secured by Senator Brandon Storm last year through the Kentucky Legislature, and the Laurel County Fiscal Court was the designated agency to receive and administer the funds.
"We are extremely appreciative of all contributing stakeholders in the Laurel County regional Fairgrounds Project. The Laurel County Fiscal Court, City of London Tourism Commission, and the City Of London are working together to create a legacy project for our community that will be enjoyed by our locals as well as people from around the nation," said Phil Smith, Chairman of the London Tourism Commission. "Thank you, Senator Storm, for advocating for this project and other projects that help to improve the quality of life for this region."
Executive Director of London Tourism and Parks Chris Robinson also commented, stating, "We are grateful to Sen. Storm for securing funding for this transformative project, and to the Laurel County Fiscal Court for their partnership in revitalizing the Fairgrounds into a space that will strengthen our community, support future economic growth, and boost tourism in our region."
Although Sen. Storm was unable to attend due to scheduling issues, he expressed his support for the tourism commission, thanking it for "bringing this vision to [him] and allowing [him] to work on the endeavor to secure the financial funding last budget cycle."
"I'm fully supportive of City and County Tourism and I absolutely love our community," Storm wrote.
During the meeting, the county submitted a proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-26. "We can't pass this around because it's just a proposal," Laurel Judge Executive David Westerfield explained. "We can't hand it out until it's approved."
Additionally, the county approved the accounts payables and an unspecified surplus item for online auction without further discussion.
The Laurel County Fiscal Court regularly meets at 8:45 a.m. on the second Monday and 9:30 a.m. on the final Thursday of each month.
