Bill extending incentives to steel mill passes legislature

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky lawmakers have agreed to extend and sweeten economic development incentives in hopes of rejuvenating idled operations at a northeastern Kentucky steel mill.

The state House wrapped up action Friday on the bill touted as a crucial economic development offer for the AK Steel mill in Ashland. The legislation now goes to Gov. Matt Bevin's desk.

The bill is a response to the steel mill temporarily idling its blast furnace — putting hundreds of people out of work — because of competition from imported steel.

The bill's supporters, led by lawmakers from northeastern Kentucky, say they hope the state incentives will spur AK Steel executives to resume those operations.

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The legislation is House Bill 535.