Every Fort Knox project creates opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, and workers. Let’s connect local businesses with these projects, compete for the work, and keep more of that investment in our community.
By T.W. Shortt
Former Radcliff City Council Member, retired U.S. Army veteran, and longtime Radcliff business owner
Two construction opportunities at Fort Knox deserve the attention of contractors, suppliers, and economic-development leaders throughout Radcliff and Hardin County.
The first is a major roof-replacement project at the Bluegrass Challenge Academy, located at 114 Conroy Avenue on Fort Knox.
According to Kentucky’s Division of Engineering and Contract Administration, the project will remove the existing roof down to the deck and install new insulation, gypsum cover board, and a two-ply modified-bitumen roofing system. The work also includes new gutters, downspouts, coping caps, flashing, and related components.
The advertised estimate is approximately $1.325 million. A contractor site visit is scheduled for November 12, and bids are due November 24, 2026. The projected construction period is 120 days to substantial completion, followed by 30 days for final completion. www.stateofkyplanroom.com
A second opportunity is the Fort Knox Wastewater Treatment Plant, operated by Hardin County Water District No. 1.
That project calls for replacing components in the plant’s secondary clarifiers, including rake arms, scum boxes, an influent well, a drive cage and associated equipment. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for November 16, with bids due December 2. The accessible project notice did not include a dependable public cost estimate. www.lynnimaging.com
These are not new Fort Knox missions, and neither project represents a confirmed contract award or permanent job announcement. They are, however, real opportunities for construction firms, subcontractors, equipment providers, and material suppliers.
They also remind us that Fort Knox is more than the military commands most people recognize. Behind its gates is the infrastructure of a small city—schools, housing, roads, utilities, recreational facilities, and public buildings that must continually be repaired and modernized.
Hardin County Water District No. 1 owns and operates Fort Knox’s potable-water and sewer systems, connecting a key part of the installation’s infrastructure directly to a local public utility. hcwd.com
From my office just outside the Wilson Road Gate, I have watched Fort Knox’s economy and physical footprint change for decades. Individual projects may appear modest compared with a new Army command, but together they support employment, generate purchases, and keep money moving through the regional economy.
The question is whether local businesses are receiving this information early enough to compete.
Our chambers, business organizations and economic-development agencies should regularly distribute these opportunities—not after contracts are awarded, but while local companies still have time to examine the plans, attend pre-bid meetings and assemble qualified teams.
Fort Knox remains one of this region’s greatest economic assets. Local businesses should be positioned to participate whenever work becomes available.
Brought to you by : www.RadcliffLocal.com , Radcliff Local Business Network, “
Behind every Fort Knox project is an opportunity for a local contractor, supplier, or worker. Let’s connect local businesses with these projects, compete for the work, and keep more of that investment in our community.
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