FRANKFORT, Ky. — Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman updated Kentuckians on economic development growth; a new initiative to boost workforce participation; Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program funds; the Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association 70th Anniversary proclamation; historic flooding in Eastern Kentucky; Domestic Violence Awareness Month; National Crime Prevention Month; tips to save on heating bills; and COVID-19. Staff and volunteers for Kentucky’s afterschool programs were also named as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Economic Development Update
The Governor highlighted two economic development projects that will create 420 new jobs and that represent nearly $1 billion in new investment. He also highlighted a Build-Ready location in Wayne County.
Today, Gov. Beshear will join local officials in Christian County and leaders from Ascend Elements Inc., a manufacturer of advanced, sustainable battery materials made from recycled lithium-ion batteries, for the groundbreaking of the company’s largest operation in the United States, which has grown in scope to include up to a nearly $1 billion investment creating as many as 400 full-time jobs. Thanks to Ascend being awarded two federal grants combining to total $480.5 million yesterday, the project is now the largest economic development project announced in Western Kentucky. To learn more, see the full release.
Yesterday, the Governor congratulated Vector Corrosion Technologies Inc., which provides corrosion mitigation products and services, as the company cut the ribbon on a new operation in Lexington, creating 20 full-time jobs with more than $1 million investment.
Monday, Gov. Beshear highlighted the continued momentum of the state’s site development efforts with the announcement of a new Build-Ready location in Wayne County, positioning the region for future economic success.
New Incentive to Boost Workforce Participation
Today, the Governor announced a new initiative to help boost workforce participation by improving health coverage in the critical areas of dental, vision and hearing.
The Governor noted that the state has set record low unemployment rates this year, holding at or below 3.9% since April, and led the nation in job growth for August. In 2021, Gov. Beshear announced a record number of new jobs for Kentuckians, at the second-highest average wage on record.
“Our strong economy and workforce should benefit all our Kentucky families, and that is why my administration is working to reach those who have left the workforce due to factors like incarceration, addiction, lack of access to childcare or poor health,” Gov. Beshear said. “Today’s announcement is focused on improving health to get people back in the workforce by removing the roadblocks for many Kentuckians in accessing dental, vision and hearing care. We know that when people cannot see or hear well, or have poor oral health, it hinders their ability to seek and maintain a job.”
The Governor added, “With such low unemployment, our focus can’t be there, as our people aren’t out of the workforce because of unemployment benefits. So we have to look at what has some people out of the workforce altogether. It is straightforward – to get more people into the workforce, we must get them healthy enough.”
The initiative largely will use federal dollars to reach more than 900,000 adults enrolled in the state Medicaid program. To learn more, click here.
AMLER Program Funds for Eastern Kentucky Counties
Yesterday during the annual SOAR Summit, Gov. Beshear and U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced $24.4 million in AMLER Program funds for economic development projects in nine Eastern Kentucky counties.
When completed, the projects in Clay, Elliott, Floyd, Knox, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary and Wolfe counties will enable cold storage of bulk apples, broadcasting equipment at the Mountain Arts Studio, an emergency services center, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and diesel-mechanics training facility, RV and industrial parks, a resort bordering the Jefferson National Forest, a wastewater treatment plant and a visitors’ center. The projects are expected to retain or create more than 200 jobs, train 300 Kentuckians and serve more than 100,000 people via tourism, infrastructure development or training opportunities.
Governor Praises Economic Development Awards for Eastern Kentucky
Today, Gov. Beshear congratulated several Eastern Kentucky communities for receiving more than $9.9 million in Appalachian Regional Commission Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) funds to support 11 projects that will create more than 600 jobs, generate over $40 million in private investment and support Appalachian businesses.
KMCA 70th Anniversary Proclamation
The Governor signed a proclamation recognizing the 70th anniversary of KMCA.
“As Governor, I’ve seen the strength and determination of local leaders as they work tirelessly for their communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “I’ve seen it as our state has faced crisis after crisis … and just as important, I’ve seen it as we build a brighter future with more opportunities than ever before.”
KMCA was formed in 1952 to serve as the unified voice for all of Kentucky’s fiscal courts. The organization provides quality solutions, education and programming for local officials while advocating for effective legislation. KMCA board members David Livingston, Roger Deckard, Michael Logsdon, Stevie Givens, Gary Morgan and Mark Bates, as well as KMCA staff leadership, including J.C. Young and Lauren Germond, attended the proclamation signing.
Eastern Kentucky Flood Update
Gov. Beshear provided an update on Eastern Kentucky stabilization and rebuilding efforts following July’s historic floods.
More than $79.1 million in grants have been approved under the Federal Emergency Management Agency Individuals and Households Program for 8,157 households. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Oct. 28. Over $53.7 million has been approved under the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Thanks to significant progress in removing right-of-way debris, residents who still have flood debris eligible for pickup should move it to a state or county right-of-way or deposit it at a designated community drop-off site by Nov. 1. Crews will be making final rounds to collect debris. This applies to Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Perry and Pike counties. The phasing out applies to roadside debris collection only. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will continue to clear streams of debris and transport damaged vehicles found in public rights of way to vehicle management sites. Residents unable to meet the deadline should follow up with their county fiscal court to pursue further private property debris removal by county-selected contractors. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will continue to collect and remove damaged cars that came to rest on public rights-of-way or in waterways that block access to a public-use area or threaten infrastructure.
The Governor said that Kentucky State Parks are currently housing 263 people. Since last Thursday, 13 individuals have transitioned out of state parks. Currently, 526 individuals are being housed in 200 travel trailers.
To date, the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund has raised over $10.5 million from more than 37,000 donors. The Governor highlighted and thanked Domtar Paper for donating $50,000 to the fund. To contribute, click here. For other information regarding flooding in Eastern Kentucky, visit governor.ky.gov/FloodResources.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Lt. Gov. Coleman said that on Monday, Gov. Beshear signed a proclamation declaring October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Kentucky. Domestic violence affects both men and women. In Kentucky, more than 45% of women and 35% of men experience intimate partner physical violence or rape in their lifetimes.
Lt. Gov. Coleman said as state leaders and as parents to young kids, they would not stand by and accept those statistics. Since taking office, this administration has awarded more than $96 million in grant funding to provide victim services throughout Kentucky. In April, Gov. Beshear signed Senate Bill 271, which requires the commonwealth to produce an annual report on domestic violence-related data.
“This month, and every month, we must recommit to protecting our fellow Kentuckians and standing with survivors of these unspeakable acts,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said. “Let’s lead with the courage that survivors show every day and prove that Kentucky does not tolerate domestic violence.”
Mary Foley, executive director of Merryman House in Paducah, said, “October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we encourage Kentuckians to get connected, get help or give back.”
National Crime Prevention Month
Lt. Gov. Coleman highlighted that October is National Crime Prevention Month and encouraged Kentuckians to reflect on the important work of our public safety officers serving their communities. The Lieutenant Governor said this administration has made preventing crime a top priority since day one.
“We have provided grant money to organizations and communities to purchase equipment and hire additional personnel,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said. “We have expanded access to resources to improve the safety of our peace officers while they are on the job – like with body cameras for the first time in history for the state police. We increased the training stipend for officers – ensuring that they not only receive some of the best training in the nation but can provide for their family.”
The administration has entered into a partnership with the U.S. military to recruit active service members to Kentucky law enforcement. By championing legislative action, the administration has made it easier for law enforcement to conduct undercover stings and increase the chances of stopping horrific crimes against children from being facilitated through the internet.
The Lieutenant Governor reminded Kentuckians, that this month and every month, we all can play role in crime prevention by sharing information with the proper authorities.
Tips to Save
Lt. Gov. Coleman said winter is just around the corner and there are many free resources available to Kentuckians to help reduce the cost of utilities.
First, she recommended that Kentuckians connect with their local community action network and apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Kentuckians can also contact their utility provider to see if they are offering financial assistance on bills. To learn more about energy affordability, visit the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s energy affordability page. To see a full list of actions Gov. Beshear has taken to provide Kentuckians relief from high gas prices and tips to help families save, click here.
COVID-19 Update
Gov. Beshear said the most recent COVID-19 data continues to be encouraging. The number of new cases reported each week continues to decline, fewer Kentuckians are hospitalized for COVID-19 than at nearly any point during the past two years, and more and more counties are showing as “green” on the COVID-19 community levels map. The Governor and the Kentucky Department for Public Health continue to recommend that people get boosted with the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine this fall. Locations and appointments can be found on vaccines.gov.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Lt. Gov. Coleman announced that tonight, Gov. Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear will be lighting the Mansion gold to celebrate Lights on Afterschool. The Lieutenant Governor also named staff and volunteers for Kentucky’s Afterschool Programs as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“I want to thank the dedicated teachers, school staff and volunteers who make this possible,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. As a former teacher and coach, I know it takes a lot of work. But when you see the smiles on the kids’ faces and have that comfort of knowing they are safe, it’s all worth it. Thank you for taking care of our kids and for keeping our workforce strong.”