FRANKFORT, Ky. — Today, Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on new economic development projects, the historic flooding in Eastern Kentucky, the special legislative session, investments in Eastern Kentucky, COVID-19 and monkeypox. He also named the Kentucky Distillers’ Association as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Economic Development Update
Today, the Governor highlighted six economic development projects, which, combined with other announcements this week, will create more than 1,450 new jobs and which represent more than $398 million in new investment.
“We are going to start with economic development because even as we are facing natural disasters and challenges of the present, we have to keep moving forward. We are in a time where we have the opportunity and the chance to move our state’s economy ahead of so many others,” Gov. Beshear said. “Don’t let anybody tell you we aren’t building the economy of the future, because the numbers don’t lie.”
On Monday, Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky-based Atlas Machine and Supply Inc. is investing $3.47 million to construct a new 32,500-square-foot facility in Hardinsburg, creating 78 well-paying jobs for local residents.
On Tuesday, Gov. Beshear announced that Bluegrass Bottling LLC, a Kentucky-based, woman-owned business, will construct a new bottling facility in Lancaster with a $6.25 million investment that will create 27 full-time jobs for Kentucky residents.
Also Tuesday, Gov. Beshear joined local officials and leaders from Summit Packaging Solutions LLC for the opening of the manufacturing packaging company’s $18.3 million operation in unincorporated Boone County, a project creating 185 contracted positions and 69 direct full-time jobs.
Gov. Beshear announced that Advanced Nano Products, a supplier of carbon battery nanomaterials used in electric vehicle battery production, will locate in Hardin County with a $49.6 million investment creating 93 high-wage jobs to supply battery producers including BlueOvalSK Battery Park.
The Governor announced that Mackenzie and Paige Logistics LLC, a woman-owned logistics provider based in the commonwealth, will invest nearly $4 million and create 210 full-time jobs, including positions for at least 120 Kentucky residents, with a new headquarters operation in Florence.
Gov. Beshear also announced the continued momentum of the state’s manufacturing sector as Worldwide Technologies LLC, a manufacturer of precision machined parts, will invest over $1.2 million and create 16 quality jobs with a new facility in Glasgow.
Eastern Kentucky Flood Update
Fatalities
Gov. Beshear said there are 39 confirmed fatalities in five counties.
Missing Persons
Two people remain missing from Breathitt County: Vanessa Baker, a 60-year-old woman, and Nancy Cundiff, a 29-year-old woman – both from the Lost Creek Community. If you have any information about either of these individuals, please contact Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard at 606-435-6069.
Power Outages
There are currently 107 outages, down from 27,000 on July 29.
Water Outages
The City of Buckhorn remains without water due to damaged distribution lines in the Hazard Water District, which supplies the city’s water. However, two simultaneous relief efforts are in progress to resupply the city.
Hazard, which has been restoring its own water system, has begun pumping water to a holding tank in Buckhorn, which when filled will supply water to the city. Meanwhile, crews from the Kentucky Rural Water Association and volunteers from water companies across the commonwealth are checking the 13 miles of water line between Hazard and Buckhorn for leaks. As a second option, an unused emergency line connected to the Breathitt County Water District will be tested within two weeks. If successful, it could supply water to almost half of the city.
To provide immediate relief to Buckhorn residents, state officials have redirected mobile showers, restrooms and washer/dryer units, as well as water tanks from other areas that could be used in tandem with the WaterStep’s Water On Wheels cart already deployed in the city.
There are 647 service connections without water, down from 40,000 on July 28. More than 7,000 customers remain under a boil water advisory, down from 46,000. Three water systems have limited operations: Breathitt, Letcher and Hazard.
Team Kentucky continues to bring water relief to those residents whose service remains out through WaterStep’s Water On Wheels Cart, currently distributing water at sites in Breathitt, Letcher and Perry counties.
Shelters
There are 380 people being housed in state parks, churches, schools and community centers. Kentucky State Parks are currently housing 354 people.
Travel Trailers
There are 233 individuals being housed in 76 travel trailers. In total, 94 travel trailers were transported to four sites: Jenny Wiley State Park, Carr Creek State Park, Mine Made Campground and Crockettsville Campground. Individuals seeking emergency sheltering in travel trailers can find more information and register at governor.ky.gov/FloodResources or call 502-234-1225 to register.
“Media reports and rumors have inaccurately created some fear in folks staying in these trailers. There is not a 60- or 90-day occupancy limit for these folks,” Gov. Beshear said. “We are going to make sure we are there as long as necessary.”
FEMA
More than $49.1 million in grants have been approved under the FEMA Individuals and Households Program for 6,116 households. In addition to a Disaster Recovery Center, Kentuckians can also apply through FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov, on their mobile app and by calling 800-621-3362. Two Mobile Registration Centers are now open in Magoffin and Owsley counties from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To see the locations, visit governor.ky.gov/FloodResources.
Legal Assistance
Free legal assistance is available to survivors in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties who were affected by Eastern Kentucky flooding. Survivors facing disaster-related issues who cannot afford an attorney may call the KBA Young Lawyers Section Disaster Legal Relief Committee hotline toll free at 844-478-0099. The number will be routed to a voicemail box. Calls are checked Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST.
Debris
So far, 15,904 tons of debris have been removed from state and county rights-of-way and 1,633 tons of debris have been removed from waterways. Victims who need help having debris moved to rights-of-way can call Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster at 606-268-0896.
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Monday, the Governor announced that disaster food benefits have been approved for residents and people working in 12 Eastern Kentucky counties that suffered significant damage from flooding. For more information on how to apply, visit governor.ky.gov/FloodResources.
Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund
Today, the Governor announced additional relief to flood victims in Eastern Kentucky from the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund.
“The process has started for $500 payments to be sent to uninsured homeowners and renters in addition to what they are eligible for through FEMA,” Gov. Beshear said. “The immediate needs in these disaster areas are great, and every little bit can help.”
Much like the process for the Western Kentucky tornado relief, there is no application for this assistance. Data is being collected through FEMA, and eligible recipients will receive the $500 payment directly.
To date, the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief fund has raised over $8 million from 35,954 donors. The fund has paid for 39 funerals totaling $390,000. Donations can be made at TeamEKYFloodReliefFund.ky.gov.
Plans to Stabilize Panbowl Lake
Gov. Beshear announced that a $5.9 million contract has been awarded to stabilize and strengthen the dam impounding Panbowl Lake and carrying Kentucky Highway 15 through the city limits of Jackson in Breathitt County. The North Fork flooded downtown Jackson last month, and the state advised residents to evacuate as the water nearly came over the highway. The river also flooded the city in February 2021. To learn more, see the full release. To see Jackson Mayor Laura Thomas’ video about the announcement, click here.
ARPA Funding for Tourism Industry
In response to the flooding in Eastern Kentucky, the deadline for application submissions for the $75 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy has been extended. The new deadlines for application submissions are as follows:
- Pool two: $25 million for destination marketing organizations – Friday, Sept. 30
- Pool three: $25 million for meetings and conventions – Friday, Oct. 7
- Pool four: $10 million for multi-jurisdiction marketing – Friday, Nov. 4
Mountain Parkway Expansion
This week, the Governor continued to support Eastern Kentucky by announcing over $100 million in awards, which includes yesterday’s groundbreaking on the $97.1 million Wolfe County segment of the Mountain Parkway Expansion. It will widen the Mountain Parkway from Campton to Helechewa. While in Campton, the Governor also announced six projects totaling $3,681,827 in funding. The projects will benefit Breathitt, Lee, Magoffin and Wolfe counties. To learn more, see the full release.
Special Legislative Session for Eastern Kentucky Floods
Following his call for a special legislative session to speed relief to Eastern Kentucky, Gov. Beshear joined state lawmakers in the Capitol Rotunda to announce a plan to spend nearly $212.7 million over the next six months to help rebuild communities devastated by the deadly flooding that began July 26. To learn more, see the full release.
Health Updates: COVID-19 and Monkeypox
Gov. Beshear said COVID-19 continues to spread in Kentucky, but he is hopeful that most communities will have a plateau or slight decline. Several Kentucky counties are now back to a low (green) COVID-19 Community Level.
A total of 26 cases of monkeypox have been identified in Kentucky. All cases have occurred in adults. Anyone who is eligible for the vaccine should contact their local health department to identify options for obtaining the vaccine.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, which hosted a bourbon auction with all proceeds going to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit auctioned rare and signed bottles, private barrel selections and more. The auction raised over $1.4 million for flood recovery efforts and members donated more than $275,000 directly to the relief fund. The bourbon industry has also been helping provide fresh water to impacted areas since the floods first occurred.
“I am grateful to the distilleries across our commonwealth for the support and love they have shown to our fellow Kentuckians,” Gov. Beshear said. “This community rallied together, and their efforts will truly make a difference.”
Gov. Beshear also recognized the donors that have given $15,000 or more to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund:
- Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance – $200,000
- Diversified Gas and Oil Corp. – $166,412.02
- Texas Roadhouse- $70,000
- Kentucky Utilities – $50,000
- Delta Dental of Kentucky- $50,000
- AT&T – $25,000
- Marathon Community Investment – $25,000
- Mariner Finance – $25,000
- Zaxby’s – $17,500
- Farmer Mac – $15,000
- Invenergy – $15,000