Governor Steve Beshear announces an electric-car plant will locate in Simpson County.

The $84-million-dollar facility will be used to make "Zero-Air-Pollution," or "ZAP" cars.

Governor Beshear has been for electric-cars on Kentucky roads for some time.

Now he's made his stand clear on the idea when he said the ZAP plant will come to South-Central Kentucky.

4,000 new full-time jobs will be created within four years and folks in Franklin say they're ready for it.

Franklin resident Gwen Garrett is excited for an electric-car plant to come to her town.

"I think it'll bring in industry we definitely need, bring in jobs needed in this area and be a great improvement for our economy here," she said. "I think this is a new venture that is going to prove worthwhile."

And those enjoying the afternoon at the oldest fast-food restaurant in Franklin, Frosty Freeze, couldn't agree more.

"It'd just help boost the economy in Franklin," said Franklin resident Wendy Gant.

"The way the economy has been sitting right now, and with everyone complaining about fuel prices, I think it would change a lot of things," added David Stephens, who commutes to Franklin from Tennessee.

"I think it'll bring a lot of employees here and help us," said Carey Castro, who also commutes to Franklin.

Now with the state on board, Franklin officials are ready to open the new plant.

"It's been the talk of the town everywhere you turn--somebody's asking, "What about the car plant?" said Jim Henderson, the judge-executive for Simpson County. "This is probably as big on an announcement as Kentucky has had. In these slow economic times, I think the governor was excited to make this kind of announcement for the Commonwealth."

An announcement bringing jobs and growth to the city of Franklin.

"I think in the long run it's going to be helpful," Carey Castro said.

"We need it for our future. We need it for generations to come,' Gwen Garrett added.

Production on the electric cars is expected to begin next year.

A groundbreaking for the plant will be held August 28th, at the Wilkey North Industrial Park.

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