A Braidy Industries executive says the company still needs to raise $500 million to build a $1.7 billion aluminum plant in eastern Kentucky. Company executives appeared before a Senate committee Tuesday. Their appearance comes after a recent management shakeup raised concerns about the project. Company officials expressed confidence the project will become a reality. The plant would create more than 650 full-time jobs. Kentucky taxpayers have a direct stake in Braidy’s plans to build the aluminum rolling mill near Ashland. During his term, former Gov. Matt Bevin persuaded lawmakers to approve a $15 million state investment in the project.