26-04-2025
‘Very big deal for us': Construction company breaks ground on facility in Wurtland
WURTLAND A Columbus-based construction company broke ground Friday on its new facility, which will be at the Greenup-Boyd Riverport in Wurtland.
Strawser Construction chose the location for myriad reasons, including the fact that many of its employees live in Kentucky and commute to Columbus.
'We've been an Ohio-based company, but to be able to set roots in the state of Kentucky is a great thing,' said Mike Szymborski, Regional Manager at Strawser. 'We have over 50 people who work for us who live in the state of Kentucky, so to have a physical location here is a very big deal for us and we're thankful for the opportunity.'
David Kiser, Business Development and Technical Support Manager at Strawser, lives in Olive Hill.
Greenup County Judge-Executive Bobby Hall said county leaders began talking to Kiser in late 2023.
'We kept looking for the perfect location to meet their needs,' Hall said.
The new facility will be at 1133 Port Road in Wurtland.
The arrival of Strawser will create 30 new jobs off the bat. Hall and Szymborski estimate opening the 9,500-square-foot facility on 4 acres by November. Wolfe Construction will begin work on the site Monday.
Hall said the teamwork of the Greenup County Fiscal Court, Boyd County Fiscal Court, Greenup-Boyd Riverport, City of Wurtland and Kentucky Power were 'instrumental in making this project a reality.'
Kentucky Power provided a $100,000 KPEG (Kentucky Power Economic Growth) grant to the project.
'If it's going to bring jobs, we're for it,' said Amanda Clark, Economic and Business Development Manager for Kentucky Power. 'The (KPEG) program is designed to be very flexible. … It has to be quick and nimble to react to projects that may pop up.'
Clark said Strawser's arrival is a result of 'everybody pulling in the same direction and working together.'
Szymborski said Judge Hall was on board 'from the very beginning.'
'We're thankful to him and the Riverport Authority,' Szymborski said.
Keith Hieneman, the director of the Riverport Authority board, called Friday 'a huge day.'
Strawser is in the pavement preservation industry.
'In prime asphalt season, we could be looking at 70 to 80 jobs,' Hieneman said.
The riverport will take out a mortgage with Members Choice Credit Union.
'We build the building, pay the mortgage payment and Strawser pays us a rental fee,' Hieneman said.
'This exciting development marks a significant milestone for the region, showcasing the strength of collaboration among local government entities and community partners,' Hall said.
