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From the governor's office: Gov. Beshear Highlights Continued Economic Momentum Across the State

Berry Craig
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Team Kentucky Update included good economic development news, an update on the Sherman Minton Bridge and more

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 2, 2023) – Today, during his Team Kentucky Update, Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted continued economic growth across the commonwealth and congratulated four counties that were recognized in Site Selection magazine’s top-20 “America’s Best Counties by Projects per Capita.”

The rankings include:

  • Todd County, No. 5, with three projects totaling over $406 million in investment and 180 jobs;
  • Union County, No. 7, with three projects totaling $27.1 million in investment and creating four jobs;
  • Shelby County, No. 14, with ten projects totaling $541.7 million in investment and creating over 600 jobs; and
  • Simpson County, No. 17, with four projects totaling $384 million in investment and creating over 1,100 jobs.

“This is more great news that shows we’re bringing growth and prosperity to every corner of the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “Folks from all over are taking note of what’s happening here. Even some of our biggest critics – credit rating agencies – are saying great things.”

The Governor also provided an update on economic development; grants for high-speed internet; the expansion of the Kentucky Caregiver Program; rebuilding efforts in Eastern Kentucky; incoming inclement weather; a preview of home dedications in Mayfield; and the Sherman Minton Bridge closure. He also named Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) Officer Nick Wilt, who was injured as he responded to the shooting in Louisville in April, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.

Economic Development 
Gov. Beshear announced further growth of the state’s distribution and logistics industry as DHL Express, a global leader in international express shipping, will expand its current operations at CVG Airport in Boone County with a $192 million total investment creating 86 quality Kentucky 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 Marshall County, adding to Kentucky’s growing list of build-ready locations throughout the state.

Gov. Beshear celebrated another major milestone within Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry as he joined local officials and leaders at Heaven Hill Distillery in Nelson County to celebrate the filling of the company’s 10 millionth barrel.

High-Speed Internet Grants
The Governor announced that Gibson Connect has linked approximately 650 households and businesses in Western Kentucky to reliable high-speed internet according to the cooperative. These are among the first Kentuckians to be connected to high-speed internet via grant funds from the Better Internet Program.

This news follows Gov. Beshear securing a nearly $1.1 billion federal grant in June, the largest public investment in high-speed internet in the state’s history, which will bring access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet service to every Kentuckian. To learn more, see the full release.

Caregiver Program
Gov. Beshear announced that due to record budget surpluses and the largest Rainy Day Fund in state history, the Kentucky Caregiver Program will be expanded to all Area Development Districts. The program, established in 2006, was designed to support grandparents of any age who are raising grandchildren and who meet income and other guidelines. Due to budget cuts during the previous administration, the program was restricted to only two development districts. Grandparents raising a grandchild can find out if they are eligible to apply by contacting their local Area Development District or the Department for Aging and Independent Living in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Eastern Kentucky Flood and Incoming Weather Update
Gov. Beshear provided an update on recovery and rebuilding efforts in Eastern Kentucky. Currently, 74 families are housed in travel trailers, and 308 households have transitioned out of the Commonwealth Sheltering Program in Eastern Kentucky.

As of this week, FEMA approved $1.2 million to help Floyd County homeowners move to higher ground. FEMA also approved $5.6 million for debris removal in Mayfield after the 2021 tornadoes in Western Kentucky.

The Governor warned Kentuckians that there is potential for showers and thunderstorms starting tomorrow afternoon and continuing through the end of the week. There is a risk of potential flash flooding in Western Kentucky.

Mayfield Home Dedication
The Governor said that he will be joining the Hope Initiative in Mayfield on Friday to hand over the keys to five new homes for families that were affected by the Western Kentucky tornadoes in December 2021. Over $5 million for the project came from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund.

“For long-term recovery efforts in Mayfield, one of the biggest needs has been finding new housing for renters whose homes were lost or destroyed by the tornado. Friday’s dedication ceremony represents one more step forward toward that goal,” said Gov. Beshear. “As I’ve said from that very first morning I visited, we will be with Mayfield until every home and every life is rebuilt.”

Sherman Minton Bridge
Gov. Beshear provided an update on efforts to reopen the Sherman Minton Bridge to traffic on Interstate Highway 64 in Louisville. The bridge has been undergoing an extensive rehab project for the last several months, and as part of that work, the bridge was closed temporarily as an emergency precaution last week when problems were found in one of the supports for the bridge’s upper deck.

The Governor said that once the necessary repairs are made, the plan is to restore traffic at the limited capacity that existed prior to the closure. The target for reopening is ahead of next week’s Monday morning commute.

Team Kentucky All-Star
Gov. Beshear recognized LMPD Officer Nick Wilt as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star. Officer Wilt was injured as he bravely responded to the shooting in Louisville in April. Last Friday, the Governor met with Officer Wilt and his family before they left UofL Health to go home.

“While we sadly lost five individuals, each one a child of God, we know that thanks to heroic first responders like Officer Wilt, lives were saved. Officer Wilt ran toward danger to protect his fellow Kentuckians, and I am forever grateful,” said Gov. Beshear. “I was so honored to shake his hand and meet his loving family, who have also shown unimaginable strength and courage during this difficult time. Officer Nick Wilt is a true hero – and we are proud to honor him this week as our Team Kentucky All-Star.”