Gov. Beshear Urges Kentuckians To Stay Safe During Second Round of Winter Storms
Snowfall expected to begin in Western Kentucky late tonight and move across the state tomorrow
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 9, 2025) – Today, Gov. Beshear is urging Kentuckians to remain weather aware as forecasts show Kentucky could receive 3 to 6 inches of snowfall beginning around midnight in Western Kentucky and moving east across the state on Friday. Ice is not anticipated in this round of storms.
The snow will affect Kentuckians’ morning commute, primarily along the Louisville-Frankfort-Lexington corridor. Snowfall is expected to hit Central Kentucky during rush hour, around 9:00 AM EST.
“Kentucky has gotten through a severe winter storm this week without a single major injury. We have another round of rough weather moving in late tonight and into tomorrow, so it’s important Kentuckians pay attention to their local forecasts and are careful tonight and tomorrow. Be weather aware, take it slow and look out for one another. We’ll get through this second round of storms, together.”
Gov. Beshear announced that state offices will be closed tomorrow, but Executive Branch agencies will work from home to provide services to the citizens of the Commonwealth.
Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Offices will be closed and all appointments rescheduled. Remote driver’s license renewal options are available online and by mail. More information about these services can be found at drive.ky.gov.
Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov. For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.
If you, or someone you know, is dealing with the emotional distress of compounding traumatic weather events, please call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.
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Gov. Beshear: $2 Million Awarded to 87 Tourism Organizations in 80 Counties To Boost Kentucky’s Tourism Industry and Economy
Funding allows tourism organizations to improve marketing efforts to attract more visitors
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 9, 2025) – Building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 87 tourism marketing organizations across 80 counties are receiving $2 million through the Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program.
“Kentucky’s $13.8 billion tourism industry is essential to our economic success, helping create vibrant communities that people love to visit and call home,” said Gov. Beshear. “This program helps tourism organizations by providing the marketing resources needed to showcase our commonwealth’s unique experiences and rich heritage, which will bring even more visitors to our New Kentucky Home.”
The breakdown of funding by region is as follows:
- $574,956 – Louisville Lincoln Region
- $361,123 – Bluegrass Region
- $257,969 - Western Waterland Region
- $233,048 – Northern Kentucky Tourism Region
- $197,775 – Cave Region
- $104,341 – Eastern Highlands South Region
- $98,094 – Green River Region
- $96,675 – Southern Kentucky Region
- $76,019 – Eastern Kentucky North Region
“The Kentucky Department of Tourism’s Matching Funds Program has helped further our access to new visitor markets and keep up with emerging trends in our industry. We are able to entice more visitation to our region, thereby increasing local economic impact from tourists,” said Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Sherry Murphy. “From small business-owners to restaurant entrepreneurs, the more visitors we can bring into our area, the more support is given to these important, community-building businesses. Tourism in Kentucky has become a positive and necessary building block for our state and region development.”
“This program is invaluable to communities like Owensboro, enabling us to multiply and amplify our message effectively,” said Visit Owensboro President Mark Calitri. “The program provides a vital opportunity to share our story and extend our reach to broader audiences.”
“The Tourism Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program is a vital resource that empowers Rowan County and the Kentucky Appalachians to showcase the unique beauty, culture, and experiences our region has to offer,” said Morehead-Rowan County Tourism Executive Director Joy Brown. “These funds allow us to create impactful marketing campaigns that attract visitors, support local businesses and strengthen our economy. Through this program, we can continue to share our story and welcome travelers to discover the heart of Kentucky.”
The Regional and Matching Funds Program, administered by the Department of Tourism, provides local nonprofit tourism organizations with financial assistance for marketing. The matching funds allow organizations to develop and implement marketing strategies, attract travelers and showcase the unique cultural, historical and natural attractions of their regions. From fiscal year 2022-2024, the program has distributed $5.5 million.
“In addition to the statewide impact, tourism significantly influences communities across the commonwealth, many of them rural,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “We are thrilled to support our local tourism organizations in doing what they do best: promoting their communities and all they have to offer.”
“Over the years, the Matching Funds program has continued to be a valuable resource for our tourism partners,” Kentucky Department of Tourism Commissioner Mike Mangeot said. “Through the program, we empower local organizations to amplify their storytelling, draw more travelers and boost the economies of communities across the commonwealth. Together, we’re making Kentucky a must-visit destination for everyone.”
To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear recently announced New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.
Earlier this year, the Governor announced that 2023 was the best year on record for tourism, with $13.8 billion in economic impact and 95,222 jobs. This followed a record-breaking 2022, when he announced that tourism had generated more than $12.9 billion in economic impact and secured 91,668 jobs in Kentucky that year.
Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last five years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration's continued investments in the tourism industry.
In December 2024, Gov. Beshear announced that the commonwealth achieved another historic milestone, marking a new record with 10 new tourism development projects set to generate an estimated $2561 million in economic investment. These projects also are expected to create 1,696 jobs once operational.
The state’s bourbon and spirits industry recorded its best year for growth in 2022, with over $2.1 billion in new investments and approximately 700 new jobs for Kentucky residents. The sector followed with a strong 2023, including $713.8 million in new investments and 229 full-time jobs. Since the start of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced roughly 100 new location and expansion projects within the bourbon and spirits sector, contributing to over $4.2 billion in new investments and more than 1,800 full-time jobs for Kentuckians.
In 2022, Gov. Beshear announced $75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy. Previously, the Governor dedicated $5.3 million in federal funding to 103 tourism and destination marketing organizations in 88 Kentucky counties.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling nearly $34 billion in announced investments, creating roughly 57,500 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
For more information on the Regional Marketing and Matching Funds program and Kentucky Tourism, visit www.KentuckyTourism.com.
For the latest Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet updates, follow the cabinet on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn. To learn more about tourism and arts in Kentucky, visit tah.ky.gov.
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Gov. Beshear: State of the Commonwealth Is Strong, Growing Stronger
Governor welcomes the world to our New Kentucky Home
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2025) – Tonight, Gov. Andy Beshear delivered his annual State of the Commonwealth Address to Kentucky families and said he was proud to report “the State of the Commonwealth is strong … and it’s growing stronger.”
Throughout the address, the Governor spoke about how Team Kentucky is building a New Kentucky Home thanks to record-breaking economic and job growth. Gov. Beshear has now announced over $35 billion in private sector investment, which marks the largest investment amount under any Kentucky governor. He has also announced over 59,800 new, good, full-time jobs and that Kentucky broke its all-time exports record and celebrated the two best years for tourism. The Governor touted the state’s low cost of living, utilities and child care.
“Put simply: We’re not looking at the same Kentucky anymore,” Gov. Beshear said. “That’s why now is the time to reintroduce ourselves to the world, to leave the stereotypes of the past behind us and to welcome the world to our New Kentucky Home. Our New Kentucky Home is a place where the pace of business is fast, but the pace of life is just right. Our New Kentucky Home is a place where our economy is booming and our people live good lives.”
Over the next three years, the Governor promised to stay laser-focused on working with others to address the real-life worries of Kentuckians. Worries like having a good job, more affordable and accessible health care, safer roads and bridges, the best public education and safe communities.
“In Kentucky, we’ve made progress by pushing out the national noise, by working together, by setting politics aside and focusing on what is most important to our families,” Gov. Beshear said.
The Governor recapped how the administration has worked to expand access to health care, cleaner water and high-speed internet, while securing funding for new roads and bridges. In 2024, Gov. Beshear secured additional state and federal funds to speed the completion of the long-awaited Mountain Parkway. The project will provide a safer, faster commute and support economic development throughout Eastern Kentucky.
Gov. Beshear also recognized businesses and special guests who he applauded for supporting job growth or helping others in their community.
The Governor highlighted Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing, which made the third-largest jobs announcement of his administration. In November, the company announced it was moving into a 1 million-square-foot building where Kentuckians will make the large-scale storage batteries that will bring reliability to our power grid and that powered last year’s Super Bowl. This project is creating 1,572 skilled, high-tech jobs.
Elisabeth Galvin – part of the incredible mother-daughter duo who own Stellar Snacks – was in attendance and applauded for opening a $137 million pretzel manufacturing facility last year, bringing 350 full-time jobs to West Louisville.
The Governor recognized University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel and Ryan Quarles, president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, for supporting Kentucky’s workforce.
When the Governor spoke about rapidly expanding access to health care across the state and record funding to support childhood cancer research, he recognized Elizabeth Turner, president of the Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund Board.
“I got to know her, and her son, David Turner Jr., as he heroically fought a brain tumor. Now, in David’s memory, she advocates for all families impacted by cancer,” Gov. Beshear said.
Berry Mayor Keith Ison also attended and was recognized for a milestone secured in May, when Berry, in Harrison County, became Spectrum’s 10,000th community with high-speed internet in the United States.
“We know that the internet is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity for education and health care and for our economy. And I’m proud to report, we have now approved projects that will connect 80,229 additional homes to high-speed internet,” said Gov. Beshear.
When it came to protecting our communities, the Governor recognized Kentucky State Police Commissioner PJ Burnett Jr. and highlighted KSP’s seizure of more than $26 million worth of illicit drugs in 2024.
The Governor also highlighted the work being done to help rebuild lives and homes following devastating natural disasters in Western and Eastern Kentucky. Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan and Perry County Judge/Executive Scott Alexander were in attendance and recognized for their leadership throughout the rebuilding process. Jim King from Fahe, a nonprofit serving Appalachia, was also recognized for building and repairing homes for flood survivors.
Derek Darnell, a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 7 employee, was applauded for joining over 330 of his co-workers to help North Carolina clear and fix roads following Hurricane Helene.
Finally, the Governor recognized members of the Kentucky National Guard, Sgt. Grayson Johnson and Specialist William Price of the 138th Field Artillery Brigade. Both heroically served at Tower 22 in Jordan, where a drone attack killed several soldiers from Georgia. Both received the Purple Heart medal. This year, 700 Kentucky National Guard soldiers returned from overseas deployments.
Also, during Wednesday’s speech, the Governor continued to push for pay raises for educators and universal pre-K for all Kentucky 4-year-olds, as well as a statewide talent attraction program.
He also called on lawmakers to help keep Kentucky’s momentum going by simply taking the way Kentuckians live their daily lives and applying it to Frankfort. He provided examples of how Kentuckians are always ready to help one another without asking who someone voted for or where they get their news.
“These small acts of love – they grow. The kindness we show others – it compounds,” Gov. Beshear said. “So, Kentucky, this year, let’s double-down. Let’s push out all the toxic noise we hear on TV and social media. But let’s do more. Let’s all show more compassion and forgiveness to one another.”
Finally, he urged the General Assembly to be thoughtful, even prayerful, about the bills they choose to pass this session. He talked about the recent Christmas season and the story of how God chose Mary, an unwed teenager, whom he favored above all others.
“He chose someone people in those days would judge, would look down on, would pass legislation against,” Gov. Beshear said. “To me, God’s selection of Mary is a profound statement about how we should treat one another, about being able to see the face of God in those others might judge.”
The Governor continued: “So, please be thoughtful of how legislation treats those suffering from poverty or addiction, how it treats the homeless or the hopeless. Do we make more room at our tables – or in our prisons? Do we recognize the difference between the carrot or the stick is the difference between feeding or beating? I hope and pray that God grants us the wisdom to see beyond the anger of today to the possibility and promise of tomorrow.”
The Governor was joined by First Lady Britainy Beshear, former Gov. Steve Beshear and former First Lady Jane Beshear.
For the complete text of the Governor’s address, which was delivered before a joint session of the General Assembly, click here. The speech can be viewed on the Governor’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. To read more about the Governor’s accomplishments over the past year, click here.
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Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 7, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on Winter Storm Blair. The commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, Dr. Steven Stack, joined the news conference to discuss the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative and kynect open enrollment. The Governor also provided an update on economic development, previewed his upcoming State of the Commonwealth Address, announced awards to support tourism in the commonwealth, announced the second winner of the New Kentucky Home giveaway, paid tribute to the late former President Jimmy Carter, provided an update on high-ground homes in Eastern Kentucky and updated Kentuckians on medical cannabis. The Governor also named road and utility crews and emergency personnel working to keep Kentuckians safe during the storm as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Weather Update
The Governor provided an update on weather as the commonwealth continues to deal with the aftereffects of Winter Storm Blair. Thankfully, there are still no known reports of significant injuries or loss of life-related to the storm. However, there are multiple reports of motor vehicle and traffic related incidents.
Kentucky Emergency Management is currently activated at Level 3 and is evaluating next steps. Regions of the commonwealth should expect single-digit temperatures along with sub-zero wind chills beginning today through the rest of the week. Later in the week, the commonwealth is also expecting another blast of wintry weather, with the potential for snow across the entire state.
Icy conditions are causing power outages, with recent outage numbers fluctuating around 30,000 customers without power statewide. Warming centers are open in counties with more than 1,000 outages, which at last report included Henderson, Johnson, Morgan and Spencer counties. Find a warming center on the Kentucky Emergency Management website.
Our Healthy Kentucky Home and kynect Open Enrollment
Dr. Stack provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home, a one-year initiative to promote simple, positive and attainable goals to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. For January, the initiative is highlighting diabetes prevention, and Dr. Stack provided diet and exercise tips and more for Kentuckians to manage their blood sugar and prevent diabetes.
Dr. Stack also provided an update on kynect, the state-based marketplace for quality, affordable health coverage. Dr. Stack said that over 93,000 Kentuckians have already enrolled in a plan, which greatly exceeds last year’s total of 75,000. This is by far the strongest open enrollment numbers since kynect relaunched in November 2021. The deadline to enroll is Jan. 15. If you need assistance, or if you are ready to enroll, please go to kynect.ky.gov or call 855-459-6328.
Economic Development
The Governor recapped his announcement that he has accepted an invitation to speak Jan. 20-24 at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, a global event that brings together business, government and academic leaders to improve the state of the world. The Governor and a delegation from Team Kentucky will travel for the event and also visit with business leaders in Spain to promote our New Kentucky Home and encourage future investment and job-creation in the commonwealth.
Upcoming State of the Commonwealth Address
On Jan. 8, the Governor will deliver the fifth State of the Commonwealth Address of his administration. The Governor will speak before a joint session of the Kentucky General Assembly, highlighting the incredible progress Kentucky made last year – and across the five years of his administration – as well as the road ahead. The Governor will deliver the address at 7 p.m. EST in the House Chambers, and it will be streamed live on KET as well as on his official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Awards To Boost Tourism
Building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, Gov. Beshear announced today that 87 tourism marketing organizations across 80 counties are receiving $2 million through the Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program.
New Kentucky Home Giveaway
As part of the New Kentucky Home initiative, everyone who shares positive Kentucky photos or videos on social media using the hashtag #NewKYHome will be entered to win a free, two-night stay at a Kentucky State Park. Today, the Governor announced that the second winner is Daniel Hunt, who shared several photos of a hike with friends at Raven’s Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington. Team Kentucky will continue drawing one name per month through April 2025.
Tribute to President Carter
Gov. Beshear took a moment to acknowledge the life and work of former President Jimmy Carter, who died just over a week ago, on Dec. 29, at age 100. The Governor highlighted the former president’s long service to the American people, particularly his work with Habitat for Humanity, and his deep faith in God. Gov. Beshear invited Kentuckians to join him in celebrating Carter and his worthy legacy.
High-Ground Homes in Eastern Kentucky
Gov. Beshear recapped his visit to Eastern Kentucky last week and provided an update on progress building high-ground homes for flood survivors. The Governor encouraged Eastern Kentucky flood survivors to apply for recovery housing support through a newly launched online form at HousingCantWait.Org.
Medical Cannabis
The Governor provided an update on medical cannabis in the commonwealth. At 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1, 2025, the Office of Medical Cannabis launched the portal for patient medical cannabis card applications. To apply, Kentuckians will need to obtain an electronic written certification from an authorized practitioner. Once they have their certification, they can submit an application and, if approved, receive a digital registry ID card.
There are currently over 267 authorized, registered practitioners in the commonwealth located in 68 counties across Kentucky. Since Dec. 1, 2024, over 3,359 Kentuckians have seen a practitioner and received their electronic written certification. As of Jan. 6, 2025, over 760 Kentuckians have applied for a medical cannabis card. Under Kentucky law, the Office of Medical Cannabis has 30 days to review each application for a medical cannabis card. Those applications submitted are currently under review.
The program has also launched a hotline for Kentuckians needing assistance with applying for a card: 833-727-2828. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, the Office of Medical Cannabis will be holding monthly webinars for Kentucky patients. Visit KYMedCan.ky.gov and register for one of the available webinars to learn more about this program.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named road and utility crews, law enforcement, National Guard members, emergency personnel and all those working to keep communities safe during this storm as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“Your work to clear roads, restore power and keep people safe is truly heroic,” said Gov. Beshear. “You all represent the best of Team Kentucky. Thank you for helping us get through this storm.”
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Gov. Beshear Provides Update on State’s Response to Winter Storm Blair
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 6, 2025) – Today, after declaring a state of emergency Saturday ahead of Winter Storm Blair, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on the state’s ongoing emergency response.
The Governor urged as many Kentuckians as possible to stay off roadways – especially today – to give transportation and utility workers the best opportunity to clear roads and restore power before extremely cold temperatures arrive tomorrow.
“The good news is we are not aware of any major injuries thus far. We also haven’t had any reports that we’ve lost anybody right now. And for a state that’s been through tornadoes, flooding, polar plunges and so much more, we were ready for this. So, thanks to everyone out there doing their part – like our media and meteorologists and a lot of others,” Gov. Beshear said. “We had a lot of prep time, but there is still a lot of work to do. And the best thing people can do is stay home, stay safe.”
The Governor continues to thank all the emergency response, transportation and utility personnel as well as Kentucky National Guard members who left their families to help others during the storm.
Key Weather Updates
- Still in the midst of a very significant winter weather event.
- Had 6 to 8 inches of snow followed by at least half an inch of ice across many parts of Kentucky, more than was originally expected.
- A half-inch of ice can and has brought down tree limbs and power lines.
- About 93,400 people without power, but the number is constantly fluctuating.
- Local utility companies are working to restore power as quickly as possible.
- Expect another 1-to-3 inches of snow today across much of the state.
- While about 2,300 Transportation Cabinet staff are working to clear the roadways, the level of ice means almost every single road is icy.
- Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.
- Please do not call 911 for road conditions. Those lines need to remain open for emergency calls.
- Wind gusts up to 30 mph are expected today, which makes repairing utility lines dangerous.
“The bottom line is – we’ve got one day to try to get power back to as many Kentuckians as possible before the wind chill gets down close to zero,” said Gov. Beshear.
State highway crews continue to clear roads ranging from wet or slushy along Kentucky’s southern borders to snow-packed along the I-64 central corridor and northern river counties.
“While we’ve made progress, this storm’s not over, and our hard-working crews remain out in force to keep roads passable for all Kentuckians as we expect more snow today,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “They’re doing a great job, and you may see bare pavement, but please don’t let your guard down – it’s icy and slick, and the best way to stay safe is to stay home. If you must be out, make sure to slow down, buckle up and leave a safe space between other vehicles.”
Warming Centers
Counties with the most power outages have warming centers open. Those include Anderson, Bullitt, Clark, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, Henderson, Johnson, Meade, Spencer and Union. This list is subject to change, and Kentuckians in need may contact their local emergency manager for further assistance.
“We’re working with local officials to get the word out to those who have lost power and have medical devices that need to run. We need those folks to be moving toward a warming center,” Gov. Beshear said. “If you don’t have power by midday today – you need to be looking at finding a warming center or location that has power.”
Director of Kentucky Emergency Management Eric Gibson, addressing Kentuckians seeking a warming shelter, said, “If you are in need of assistance, know that your first call would be to your local emergency management official. They’re working very long hours to make sure your community is safe, and they are working hand in hand with your judge executive and your local police and sheriff’s departments. If you need additional information, please contact us we will do our very best to provide the information and help you need.”
On Saturday, the Governor activated units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. State transportation workers also prepared to act, and local emergency management officials worked to open needed warming centers. The Governor also activated the state’s emergency operations center and implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storm. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.
For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov. To read more about the state of emergency, click here.
If you, or someone you know, is dealing with the emotional distress of compounding traumatic weather events, please call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.
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