United States Department Of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg toured the BlueOval SK Battery Park on Friday. The visit was to help highlight job growth and workforce development in the state of Kentucky. “We just had a look at some of the construction underway. We got to meet some of the construction workers on this site that when it opens, will be one of the largest EV battery manufacturing facilities in the world. We’re mindful that these workers aren’t just building a factory, they’re building a future. We’re not just going to be building batteries here, we’re going to be building livelihoods for those who are working on the construction project. And for the 5,000 skilled auto workers who for decades to come will be putting food on the table, putting their kids through school and coaching Little League – doing all the things you can do when you have good paying jobs. Five thousand workers here will be part of a new generation of American auto manufacturing.” said Secretary Buttigieg. The visit included a round table discussion with representatives from BlueOval Sk, Ford, state and local representatives. Hardin County Judge Executive Keith Taul took part in the event. “We just were able to meet some of the construction workers from all over, really. It’s just interesting to hear some of their comments and all the work that they’re doing.” Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory was also part of the tour and round table. ”It was a great opportunity for the Secretary to come down from (Washington) DC and talk to us a little bit about some of the things that are going on in the federal government. It was great to have Secretary Noel here from the state government representing, and we had a little round table discussion and we’re able to voice any concerns that we had or any praise that we had. And it’s just good to see that there’s interest from levels higher than local government and that we’re all in this together. So we’re really pleased with what we’re seeing, what we’re hearing, and the collaboration.” The Battery Park will create 5,000 new high tech jobs within the two new electric vehicle battery manufacturing facilities being built.