FRANKFORT, Ky. — Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear provided an update on economic development; opportunities to donate blood; the annual Shop & Share event; high-ground communities; funding to improve highway safety; the Affordable Connectivity Program; Recovery Ready Communities; funding to expand treatment and recovery services for mothers; and the deadline to apply for funding from the Clean School Bus Program.
Economic Development
The Governor recapped multiple new economic development announcements, including Toyota’s plans to increase investment to $1.3 billion at the flagship Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky plant in Georgetown, reinforcing the company’s commitment to high-quality vehicles and long-term job stability.
The Governor highlighted the continued momentum of the state’s manufacturing sector as Belmark Inc. – a manufacturer of printed pressure-sensitive labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons – will locate a new operation in Allen County with a nearly $99 million investment creating 159 well-paying Kentucky jobs.
Gov. Beshear announced that Physician Care Coordination Consultants, a healthcare startup, is growing its Jefferson County operations with a $2.5 million investment to relocate within the county and create 21 new full-time jobs at an average hourly wage of over $108 per hour, including benefits.
The Governor announced nearly $2 million was approved to support site development in Campbell County, the first location to receive approval in the second round of the Kentucky Product Development Initiative.
Gov. Beshear joined local officials and leaders from Tyson Foods for the grand opening of the company’s new, state-of-the-art food production facility at Bowling Green’s Kentucky Transpark. The $355 million plant will create nearly 450 full-time jobs and is among the largest investment, job-creation projects announced in Warren County.
The Governor joined local officials and leaders from Bakery Express Midwest, a commercial bakery manufacturing company, to break ground on its new Boone County location, which includes a more than $20 million investment creating over 175 full-time jobs in the region.
Gov. Beshear joined local officials and leadership from North American Stainless and its parent company, Spain-based Acerinox, to celebrate the one-year mark since the company announced a $244 million expansion at its Carroll County facility, a project creating 70 full-time jobs.
The Governor highlighted the continued momentum of the commonwealth’s site development and speed-to-market initiatives with the announcement of a new Build-Ready site in Jackson County, the program’s first designated brownfield site.
Gov. Beshear announced further investment in Team Kentucky’s site and building development efforts with Knox County receiving approval for a $250,000 grant to conduct due diligence as community leaders explore options to establish a new industrial park.
The Governor announced that four innovative Kentucky companies will receive $449,819 in state matching grants to support high-paying jobs and further grow the state’s technology sector.
Team Kentucky Saves Lives Blood Drive
Today, Mrs. Beshear also announced that she and the Governor will host a blood drive on the State Capitol campus Monday, Feb. 12, to help address the national emergency blood shortage and save lives. For more information and to sign up, visit governor.ky.gov/GiveBlood.
“Unfortunately, the number of U.S. blood donors has reached a 20-year low. We have to make sure our hospitals are ready with the supplies they need to treat anyone who needs a blood donation,” the First Lady said. “That’s why Andy and I are inviting all state employees, as well as the Frankfort community, to join us this Monday, Feb. 12, to donate blood and help save lives.
Shop & Share
As part of her longstanding commitment of supporting survivors of intimate partner violence, the First Lady invited Kentuckians to participate in the annual Shop & Share event this Saturday, Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at select Kroger, Food City, regional grocery and Starbucks locations. Kentuckians can shop from a list of items to benefit the commonwealth’s 15 state-designated regional domestic violence shelter programs. To learn more, see the full release. To view a full list of stores participating in Shop & Share, click here.
High-Ground Communities
The Governor announced his administration has closed on the high-ground property called Skyview in Perry County. This land was donated by the Ison family, and it will be the site of 100 new homes for flood survivors. Construction crews are mobilizing to start working on the site.
The Skyview community will be in a great location for families. It covers nearly 50 acres and is located just five miles from downtown Hazard. It is close to schools, shopping centers and the Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center.
“My commitment is the same today as it was on the morning after the floods: We will be with these families until every home and every life is rebuilt,” Gov. Beshear said. “Today, we’re celebrating another major step as we help these folks recover.”
The Governor said Team Kentucky is also making great progress on six other high-ground sites.
Funding To Improve Highway Safety
Gov. Beshear announced a design-build team has been selected for a $9.5 million project to monitor and bolster safety on Kentucky corridors prone to wrong-way crashes. The team is collaborating with state transportation officials to create a pilot project this summer to test new technologies along select ramps in Fayette County before deploying to other locations starting this fall.
Governor Urges Congress To Extend Affordable Connectivity Program
Yesterday, Gov. Beshear wrote a letter to the commonwealth’s congressional delegation urging them to pass legislation that extends the Affordable Connectivity Program, which one in four Kentucky households currently rely on for high-speed internet access. Without action from Congress, the program will close this spring and just yesterday the federal government stopped taking new applications. If nothing is done, Kentuckians will lose $13 million in savings every month.
Gov. Beshear said, “If you’ve benefitted from this program, or know friends and neighbors who have, I encourage you to call your federal representatives and ask them to take action.”
Recovery Ready Communities
Yesterday, while participating in Recovery Advocacy Day at the State Capitol, Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced that Hardin, McCracken and Scott counties have been designated as Recovery Ready Communities for their commitment to providing residents with access to addiction treatment and recovery support and removing barriers to the workforce. These three counties bring the total number of Recovery Ready Communities to 10 since the Governor announced the first certification in May of last year.
Funding To Expand Treatment and Recovery Services for Mothers
The Governor awarded $5,991,800 in grant funding to expand treatment and recovery services including those for pregnant and parenting women with addiction. The funding will also be used to help address Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
Clean School Bus Program Deadline
Gov. Beshear said the deadline to apply for Round 2 of the federal Clean School Bus Program has been extended to Feb. 14. The Environmental Protection Agency anticipates awarding at least $500 million in this round. For more information, click here. In less than two years, Kentucky school districts have been awarded nearly $34 million to purchase 85 new clean school buses.
“Not only does this funding expand our commonwealth’s role at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, it is also the next step in ensuring a safe, reliable ride to school for our kids,” said Gov. Beshear. “As Governor, and especially as a dad, this is a top priority.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
To celebrate National School Counseling Week, the Governor named Kentucky school counselors as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“Every day, our school counselors help students find success both in and out of the classroom. As Governor and a dad, I am grateful for the guidance they offer Kentucky’s children. That’s why I will continue to fight to ensure their hard work is recognized,” said Gov. Beshear. “This week, and every week, be sure to thank your school counselors for their hard work.”
Gov. Beshear also named those working to end domestic violence at ZeroV, as well as those who will volunteer and participate in the 15th annual Shop & Share event as Team Kentucky All-Stars.