Starting this past March, crews began a $20 million project constructing a new exit around mile marker 28 of the Hal Rogers Parkway with hopes of bringing in new businesses to Clay County.

If you build it, they will come. That's what Clay County Judge Executive Joe Asher is saying about the new exit off of the Hal Rogers Parkway.

"We plan and are hoping that we can entice some businesses up there," said Asher.

The new exit will provide a shorter route to an industrial park that currently sits empty.

"The goal of this project is to alleviate concerns about access to this industrial park," said Jonathan Dobson with the Kentucky Department of Highways.

Right now if you get off of the Hal Rogers Parkway at exit 20, it will take you about 10-15 minutes to get this industrial site. But, after the project is completed at mile marker 28, officials with the department of highways say the distance from the parkway to this industrial site will only be about two miles.

Currently, Kentucky 421 is the only access to the industrial park. It's a curvy and windy road that is difficult for trucks to travel.

"With the new exit ramp going in there. It will make it a whole lot easier to get to," said Asher.

Asher says they already have a barrel factory moving into the current building, but he envisions other uses for the land as well.

"ATV trails, recreation maybe some horseback riding. We do have a shelter up there," said Asher.

Asher hopes the new exit will bring more jobs and tourism to Clay County.