"We wouldn't be here without Ralph and Ruth Anderson and the Fiscal Court," Trisler said.
When Mitchell and Bruce Harper, executive director for the project, spoke to Mercer Fiscal Court in July, the court voted to donate $100,000 over five years toward the project.
"It's an honor to be a finalist with Bardstown and Nelson County," Trisler said. The county with the oldest settlement west of the Alleghenies won out over Nelson County, the only other location in the running for the center.
Trisler said several representatives from Harrodsburg and Mercer County attended the breakfast where the announcement was made. Twenty-six members of Future Farmers of America from Burgin and Mercer County schools also were on hand.
Mitchell said last month the center could cost $24 to $30 million and bring untold amounts of money to the county.
Anderson will donate the land
In briefing the Mercer County Fiscal Court last month, Mitchell said Anderson will donate the 30 to 40 acres of land needed for the center and will continue to assist in the completion of the project. The land will be at the intersection of U.S. 127 and Munday's Landing Road.
Mitchell said Anderson has volunteered to go to the Kentucky General Assembly in 2008 to ask the state to fund the other half of the cost. Supporters hope to break ground in 2008 and open the facility in the fall of 2010.
Anderson is facing some health problems and his wife, Ruth, died recently, but Mitchell said, "His support is very, very solid. He has put a lot into it already."
Employees of Belcan, Anderson's engineering firm in Cincinnati, already are working on the project. It's something Anderson has had on his mind for many years.
