Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 31, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development, federal grants, voting in the upcoming election, a new initiative to improve health and wellness in the commonwealth, an award received by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, funding for new school buses, medical cannabis, and new benefits and program offerings within executive branch employment. The Governor named the Dodgers star pitcher Walker Buehler and 2024 All-Star catcher Will Smith as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
The Governor also encouraged Kentucky families planning to participate in trick-or-treating tonight to take precautions as inclement weather is expected through the evening, including thunderstorms.
Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted the continued growth of the state’s site development efforts as projects in Caldwell, Floyd and Perry counties moved through today’s approval process. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved three projects today for $10.2 million in state funding in addition to local support.
The Governor announced continued economic growth in Kentucky’s health care industry as HealthTrackRx, a provider of infectious disease laboratory services, plans to locate a new facility in Louisville, creating 230 quality full-time jobs with a $45.5 million investment.
The Governor highlighted continued growth in Kentucky’s vast manufacturing sector as Ridgenet Network Group LLC – a manufacturer of equipment for emergency vehicles and other components used in law enforcement, fire and EMS – plans to expand its Pulaski County presence with a $1.2 million expansion that will create 20 additional full-time jobs.
Gov. Beshear highlighted continued momentum of the state’s logistics sector as DHL Express announced the groundbreaking of the company’s new state-of-the-art aviation maintenance facility in Northern Kentucky, a $292 million investment creating 300 new, full-time jobs.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $33 billion in announced investments, creating nearly 56,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
Federal Grants
This week, Gov. Beshear joined U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Administrator Andy Berke to announce that up to $1.4 billion in federal funds are going to increase Kentucky’s access to clean energy, education and health care as well as support economic growth in rural communities.
This is the third federal grant over $1 billion that Kentucky has been awarded under the Beshear-Coleman administration, including a nearly $1.1 billion grant to bring high-speed internet service to every Kentuckian, announced in June 2023, and a more than $1.6 billion grant to support the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, announced in December 2022.
The Governor also recapped his announcement that the Capital City Airport is receiving a $1 million federal grant to construct a new terminal building in Frankfort. Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson joined the press conference to express his excitement about the project.
Voting in the Upcoming Election
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians that the general election will take place Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. Voters who requested an absentee ballot are reminded that their ballots must be returned to their county clerk by 6 p.m. local time on Nov. 5. Dropbox locations can be found at govote.ky.gov.
The Governor also encouraged Kentuckians to take advantage of no-excuse early voting. From Thursday, Oct. 31, to Saturday, Nov. 2, Kentucky voters can vote early at local county clerks’ offices and other designated areas. Kentuckians can check with their local county clerk’s office or visit govote.ky.gov for places and times in their area.
“Voting is the bedrock principle of our society, and I’m proud of the bipartisan steps we’ve taken to protect every Kentuckian’s right to vote and make their voice heard,” said Gov. Beshear. “Use your voice and use your vote Kentucky.”
“We expect a mammoth turnout in this election,” said Secretary of State Michael Adams. “I urge Kentuckians to use the three days of early voting rather than exacerbate lines on Tuesday.”
The Governor said that Kentucky Emergency Management will activate the State Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. This activation is not in anticipation of any foreseen issues in Kentucky. This is a step many states across the nation are taking in a shared commitment for a safe and secure election. Emergency Management Director, Eric Gibson spoke on how the state is preparing for a smooth election.
Our Healthy Kentucky Home
To build on the success of job growth and historic economic progress, Gov. Beshear and Kentucky Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack announced the launch of “Our Healthy Kentucky Home,” an initiative aimed to engage and inspire Kentuckians on a personal journey of achievable health and wellness improvements.
Cabinet for Health and Family Services Receives Award
The Governor congratulated Team Kentucky members at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for receiving an award from the American Public Human Services Association for the success of the Kentucky Health Information Data Sharing project. This project created a new way to provide Kentucky child welfare workers with real-time access to health care records, streamlining communication and helping the state better serve children in foster care.
Funding for Cleaner School Buses
The Governor announced that five Kentucky school districts will receive a total of $340,950 to purchase new diesel and propane buses that will keep students healthier by reducing emissions. One of the awardees, Nelson County School District, will receive $125,000 toward the purchase of four new buses. Devin O’Bryan, director of transportation for the Nelson County School District, spoke on the importance of this funding:
Medical Cannabis
On Monday, Gov. Beshear joined the state’s first-ever medical cannabis license lottery. During the event, held at the Kentucky Lottery Corp. in Louisville, Team Kentucky selected 26 applicants for medical cannabis cultivation and processor licenses. Today, the Governor and Office of Medical Cannabis Executive Director Sam Flynn presented the first Tier I cultivator license to Farmtucky in Fayette County. Matthew Goeing, Owner/Operator of Goeing Blue/Farmtucky joined the press conference to accept the license.
The Governor announced today that Kentucky will be holding two lottery dates for dispensary licenses. The first will be held Monday, Nov. 25, at 2 p.m. at the Kentucky Lottery Corp. in Louisville. It will follow the same format as the lottery for cultivators and processors held on Oct. 28. The Office of Medical Cannabis, in conjunction with the Kentucky Lottery Corp., will draw and announce the selectees for 9 of the 11 dispensary licensing regions. Four selectees will be drawn for each region. The regions that will be pulled Nov. 25 are as follows:
- Region 3: Northeast
- Region 4: South Central
- Region 5: Cumberland
- Region 6: Mountain
- Region 7: Pennyrile
- Region 8: West Kentucky
- Region 9: Lincoln Trail
- Region 10: Northern Kentucky
- Region 11: Green River
The second and final dispensary lottery will be held Monday, Dec. 16. The regions that will be pulled on that date are as follows:
- Region 1: Bluegrass
- Region 1: (Fayette County only)
- Region 2: Kentuckiana
- Region 2: Kentuckiana (Jefferson County only)
Finally, the Governor announced that the Office of Medical Cannabis will be reopening the application portal for Testing Labs for the month of November. This is for safety compliance facilities only – facilities that help ensure medical cannabis products are safe for Kentuckians to consume.
First Day Health Insurance Coverage and Team Kentucky Internship Program
The Governor recapped his announcement of two initiatives to position Kentucky state government as the commonwealth’s employer of choice. First, starting Jan. 1, 2025, new state government employees will be offered health insurance coverage beginning on the first day of their employment. Second, the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet is now accepting applications for the inaugural Team Kentucky Internship Program, an exclusive opportunity for college students considering a career in public service.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named the Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher Walker Buehler and 2024 All-Star catcher Will Smith as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. Last night, these two Kentuckians became World Series champions for the second time.
“Buehler played his high school ball at Henry Clay in Lexington, so we went to the same high school. Will played his high school ball at Kentucky Country Day before playing at the University of Louisville,” said Gov. Beshear. “When the Dodgers beat the Yankees last night, these two Kentuckians became World Series champions for the second time. Congratulations to these hometown heroes!”
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Gov. Beshear, First Lady Invite Kentucky Artists To Submit Works for Team Kentucky Gallery
Kentuckians encouraged to submit photography and artwork for consideration by Dec. 13 for next rotation of Capitol exhibit
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2024) – This fall, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear are once again inviting Kentuckians to create artworks and capture photographs celebrating our commonwealth and to submit their pieces for inclusion in the spring 2025 exhibition of the Team Kentucky Gallery. The exhibit is located in a main hall of the state Capitol in Frankfort. Submissions are due by Friday, Dec. 13.
The Beshears believe there is no better place than the state Capitol to highlight Kentuckians’ voices as represented through art, and the Team Kentucky Gallery allows artists and photographers to creatively express what makes our state special to them.
“In each Team Kentucky Gallery exhibition, we see amazing new perspectives on what brings Kentuckians together – the natural beauty of our state, our shared values and our resilience,” the Governor and First Lady said. “We can’t wait to see the next set of artworks and photographs that will make us even more proud to call Kentucky home.”
Selected works are displayed for a six-month rotation in the Capitol and on the Team Kentucky Digital Art Gallery, where the artists and photographers can provide additional information. After each rotation, the selected works are returned to the artists.
The deadline to submit artwork and photos for consideration for the spring 2025 exhibition is Friday, Dec. 13. Works will be chosen for the gallery by Dec. 18, 2025, and selected artists and photographers will be notified shortly thereafter. The current rotation runs through Jan. 6, 2025. The next rotation will begin Jan. 7 and run through June 2025.
Artwork/Photo Submission Requirements
- Artists may submit one photo or artwork for consideration.
- Artwork and photographs should be framed.
- Artwork and photographs must have a minimum framed size of 14 inches by 16 inches and can be oriented either portrait or landscape. Artwork cannot exceed 48 inches in width. The maximum allowable depth is 4 inches, and the maximum weight is 25 pounds.
- The following information should be included with the submission: artist’s name; address, including city and county; phone number; email; title of artwork or photo; and size of artwork or photo (including frame). Artists/photographers can also include a URL if they have a website where their art or photos are displayed.
- Artists may note whether the artwork is for sale. Photos and art will not be sold as part of the Team Kentucky Gallery, but interested buyers will be able to contact artists for information about a sale once the artwork is returned.
How to Submit
- Submit digital copies of your photo/artwork using the application on the gallery’s website.
The Beshear administration understands the significant impact that Kentucky’s arts and humanities industry has on the state’s economy. Generating more than $6.5 billion in economic impact, this industry plays a critical role in enhancing the commonwealth’s culture, education and tourism. The administration has been committed to investing in the industry as part of Team Kentucky’s initiative to build a better Kentucky through tourism and economic development. In 2021, the commonwealth invested nearly $1.7 million in federal funding to support recovery of the arts industry.
In May, Gov. Beshear announced that 2023 was the best year on record for Kentucky 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.
To learn more about the Kentucky state Capitol building, visit capitol.ky.gov. The site includes visitor information, Capitol building facts and an historical overview.
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Gov. Beshear Makes Multiple Stops in Northeastern Kentucky, Presents Over $9.7 Million in Funding
Funding will be used to resurface roads, connect Kentuckians
to the internet and improve public transportation
FLEMINGSBURG/MAYSVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear made multiple stops in northeastern Kentucky to celebrate the opening of the new Fleming County Senior Center, the commencement of work on the Hayswood Brownfield Cleanup Project and a ribbon cutting for the new J. Ugrin Medical Center. The Governor also presented $9,792,286 in funding for additional projects in the region.
“Today, we celebrated three projects that are game changers for this region,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are continuing to invest in our people in every single community. We’re fighting for a brighter future for all of Kentucky.”
Fleming County
In Flemingsburg, Gov. Beshear joined state and local leaders to celebrate the opening of the new Fleming County Senior Center. The senior center received more than $2 million in funding through Kentucky’s Department for Local Government. It serves meals to Kentuckians from across the Buffalo Trace region, which includes Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason and Robertson counties.
While in Flemingsburg, Gov. Beshear also announced over $7.6 million in funding for projects in Fleming County. Those projects are listed below:
- $6,769,997 to Charter Communications to connect 1,504 homes and businesses in Fleming County to high-speed internet. When combined with matching funds, the total investment in the community is $15.3 million.
- $412,173 from a Federal Transit Administration grant to the Licking Valley Community Action Program to purchase new minivans to help citizens in need of accessible transportation.
- $366,570 from the state’s job-ready, site-ready, Kentucky Product Development Initiative to make improvements to the Industrial Park in Fleming County.
- $147,178 in transportation funding to resurface:
- Emmons Lane;
- Pat Price Alley;
- Dudley Street;
- North Parkwood; and
- Make bridge repairs on Branch Brothers Road.
“Today, we celebrated a brand-new facility to serve our seniors,” said Fleming County Judge/Executive John Sims, Jr. “We also announced more funding coming to our community that will benefit our people for years to come. Today is the result of years of work, and we will keep working toward that brighter future for the citizens of Fleming County.”
“This is a great day for the senior citizens of Flemingsburg and all of Fleming County,” said Flemingsburg Mayor Van Alexander. “We have so much to celebrate, and so many great things on our horizon. We will continue our work to have more days like today in our future.”
“Charter is grateful to the Beshear administration for its steadfast effort to connect every Kentuckian to reliable, high-quality broadband,” said Marva Brown Johnson, group vice president, state government affairs. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with state legislative, county and local leaders through this multi-million-dollar investment in Fleming County, which exemplifies both Charter’s and the commonwealth’s commitment to helping expand access to high-speed internet for rural Kentucky homes and businesses.”
Mason County
In Maysville, Gov. Beshear joined state and local leaders and Frontier Housing Inc. to celebrate the commencement of work on the Hayswood Brownfield Cleanup Project. Last year, the Governor announced that Frontier Housing plans to use $1,999,900 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to clean and assess the former Hayswood Hospital building in Maysville of known contamination and prepare it for redevelopment. Frontier Housing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing, plans to renovate the building into a residential space.
“The former Hayswood Hospital has sat vacant since 1983, and over the last several decades, there have been several attempts to redevelop this historic site,” Gov. Beshear said. “This is a project years in the making, and we’re the ones getting it done. Today, Frontier Housing begins turning this site into safe and affordable housing!”
The Governor also joined local leaders and company executives for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion of services at the newly renovated PrimaryPlus medical building, the J. Ugrin Medical Center, in downtown Maysville.
This facility will house PrimaryPlus–Medical Specialties and Counseling Services, as well as additional medical offices.
It is the first Federally Qualified Health Center in Kentucky that includes a family medicine residency program. It is also the only rural health care residency program in America not associated with a major university. The program welcomed its first class of four physicians this summer.
“Dr. Stack and I were proud to assist with the certifications and approval on this residency program,” Gov. Beshear said. “Folks, I believe health care is a human right. And when we can recruit more primary care doctors to Eastern Kentucky from the very beginning of their careers, it helps us make sure every family can have a doctor they trust close to home.”
While in Mason County, the Governor also presented over $2 million in funding to improve transportation in the region. Those projects are listed below:
- $55,237 from a Federal Transit Administration grant to the Maysville Transit System to purchase a new shuttle bus, enhancing public transportation in the city.
- $1,864,881 from the Transportation Alternatives Program to the city of Maysville to construct new sidewalks and better connect West and East Second Street with Limestone Landing and the Maysville River Park – allowing more opportunity for residents to safely walk and bike in this area.
- $176,250 in discretionary transportation funding to the city of Maysville to resurface four roads:
- Lakeview Glen Drive;
- Glenbrook Circle;
- Glenbrook Drive; and
- Glen Drive.
“Tourism is one of our economic engines and having safe walkability throughout the city is a critical component of growing the local tourism industry,” said Maysville Mayor Debra Cotterill. “In addition to visitors, we want to do all we can to protect our citizens that utilize city business and industry daily, to ensure those businesses and industries are supported with adequate infrastructure. As we work to ensure fiscal responsibility while providing the services needed for our citizens, Gov. Beshear, Department of Local Government, Buffalo Trace ADD, Sen. Steve West and Rep. William Lawrence have worked diligently to support our city team with these efforts.”
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Gov. Beshear: Medical Cannabis Cultivators, Processors Awarded Licenses To Begin Business Venture
Awardees selected through Team Kentucky’s first-ever license lottery
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 28, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined the state’s first-ever medical cannabis license lottery. During the event, held at the Kentucky Lottery Corp. in Louisville, Team Kentucky selected 26 applicants for medical cannabis cultivation and processor licenses.
“All medical cannabis that is cultivated, processed, tested and dispensed will be done so right here in Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today’s lottery helps ensure those medical cannabis businesses can become operational so that Kentuckians with serious medical conditions can have safe, affordable access to the health care relief and choice they deserve at the soonest possible date.”
The available categories included 10 Tier I cultivator licenses, four Tier II cultivator licenses, two Tier III cultivator licenses and 10 processor licenses. Applicants within these categories were informed last week whether they were approved for the license lottery. Those applicants selected in the license lottery will have 15 days to pay their license fee to Office of Medical Cannabis. Once that fee has been paid, the office will issue a license to that business.
“The lottery system is an approach that was adopted after reviewing best practices from other states that have an established medical cannabis market,” said Sam Flynn, executive director of the Office of Medical Cannabis. “Since day one, our primary goal was to make the application and selection process as fair and transparent as possible. The Kentucky Lottery Corp. has been doing this for a long time, and we appreciate their professionalism and support in helping us carry out this endeavor.”
The window to apply for a medical cannabis business license was July 1 through Aug. 31. During that time, the Office of Medical Cannabis received 4,998 applications, of which 918 were cultivator and processor applicants.
“The Kentucky Lottery is honored to be asked to conduct the required drawings, and we thank the Governor for allowing us to be a part of this impactful initiative,” said Kentucky Lottery President and CEO Mary Harville. “Over the 35 years of its existence, the Lottery has been known for conducting drawings for a plethora of its draw-based games, first with machines and balls, and now, with state-of-the-art random number generators. These drawings are conducted with the highest level of integrity and are in accordance with industry established procedures. We are happy to be able to bring this level of integrity to the cannabis drawings.”
A separate license lottery for dispensaries will be announced at a later date.
“Today’s event continues to propel us forward as we move closer to Jan. 1, 2025, which is when patients will be able to apply for a medical cannabis card,” said Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander. “Based on the number of applications received, the demand for this market is undeniable and we are excited for the opportunities that it will create for those in need.”
To qualify for a medical cannabis card starting Jan. 1, 2025, the holder must have a qualifying medical condition, which includes any type or form of cancer regardless of stage; chronic, severe, intractable or debilitating pain; epilepsy or any other intractable seizure disorder; multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms or spasticity; chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome that has proven resistant to other conventional medical treatments; and post-traumatic stress disorder. For more information visit, kymedcan.ky.gov.
Click here for the list of cultivators and processors who were randomly selected in the license lottery for cultivators and processors.
The Beshear administration is committed to ensuring Kentuckians with qualifying medical conditions have safe, affordable access to medical cannabis.
In September, the Governor issued Kentucky’s first medical cannabis business license to KCA Labs, a hemp testing lab currently operating in Nicholasville. Since then, the Office of Medical Cannabis has issued two additional licenses to testing labs.
In April, the Governor signed House Bill 829 into law, which among other things, took the important step of moving up the timeline for cannabis business licensing from Jan. 1, 2025, to July 2024.
In March, five regulations were filed to provide the framework for how Kentuckians with qualifying medical conditions can become cardholders.
In January, 10 regulations were filed to provide direction for how medical cannabis businesses, including cultivators, processors, producers, dispensaries and safety compliance facilities, will operate in the commonwealth.
In March 2023, the Governor joined lawmakers and advocates to sign Senate Bill 47, which legalizes medical cannabis in the commonwealth.
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Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Expands Benefits and Program Offerings Within Executive Branch Employment
First Day Health Insurance Coverage and Team Kentucky Internship Program
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 28, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Personnel Cabinet Secretary Mary Elizabeth Bailey announced new initiatives to position Kentucky state government as the commonwealth’s employer of choice.
Since starting his administration, following years of no significant pay increases, Gov. Beshear worked with the General Assembly to secure four across-the-board pay increases for Executive Branch employees that will total a combined 20% hike by the next fiscal year. His administration has also enacted second-chance employment, expanded telecommuting and ensured no increases in premium costs for employees using the Kentucky Employees’ Health Plan since 2022.
First Day Health Insurance Coverage
Today, the administration announced that, starting Jan. 1, 2025, new state government employees will be offered health insurance coverage beginning on the first day of their employment.
“Health care is a basic human right, and that is why this is an extremely important initiative to me,” said Gov. Beshear. “I will continue to advocate for accessible, affordable health care for all Kentuckians – including those who are entering a career of public service.”
This announcement should result in premium savings for new employees, who previously were on COBRA or bridge coverage between their employment date and the start of new health coverage while paying the entire premium amount. It also will offer new uninsured employees the opportunity to obtain health insurance coverage quickly.
“The Kentucky Employees’ Health Plan offers robust and comprehensive coverage options for our members,” said Chris Chamness, commissioner of the Department of Employee Insurance. “We are excited that state employees will be able to utilize the benefits and programs available to them through our health plan as soon as possible, without any delay for necessary health care.”
Historically, health coverage for state employees has begun on the first day of the second month from an employee’s date of hire. To learn more about the benefits available to Kentucky Employees’ Health Plan members, please view the Benefits Selection Guide, found here.
“Our administration has strived to make state government an employer of choice in the commonwealth. This is why Governor Beshear and I fought for salary increases for state employees, expanded telecommuting options, encouraged second chance employment and so much more,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman.
Team Kentucky Internship Program
The Kentucky Personnel Cabinet is now accepting applications for the inaugural Team Kentucky Internship Program, an exclusive opportunity for college students considering a career in public service.
“It is imperative that we invest in the next generation of public servants in the commonwealth and engage them in what opportunities are available within state government,” said Gov. Beshear. “This opportunity will give them a glimpse into how the Executive Branch operates while also allowing them to form a professional network with mentors and state officials.”
During this program, participants will partake in professional development workshops and will contribute to meaningful work within each of the Executive Branch cabinets. This is a paid internship, and participants will be able to leave this program with resume-enhancing job experience.
Team Kentucky interns who successfully complete the requirements, including the 300 working hours throughout the duration of the program, will also be eligible to receive interview preference for future employment within the Executive Branch.
“My interest in state government started when I began working for the state as an intern almost 30 years ago,” said Secretary Bailey. “Because of my own journey in state government, I am passionate about engaging Kentuckians of all ages and backgrounds in our workforce, showing them the incredible opportunities that await them and the potential that they have through pursuing a career in public service.”
Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited Kentucky post-secondary school or other educational institution approved by the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet and be in good standing with the school with at least a 2.5 grade point average at the time of hire.
High school students who are enrolled in college-level courses with a 2.5 GPA may also qualify and apply to participate in the program.
Interested students can apply today. To learn more about this program and to submit your application, visit TeamKYIntern.ky.gov.
Both the expanded benefit and internship program will be paid for within the existing Executive Branch budget.
There are many career paths available to those interested in state government employment. Within the Executive Branch, there are over 1,100 job classifications among 30,000 employees in ranging fields of interest. This includes jobs such as nurses, attorneys, highway technicians, environmental scientists, chaplains, park rangers and so much more. To browse all current career opportunities, visit careers.ky.gov.
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Gov. Beshear, Administrator Berke: Up To $1.4 Billion Going to Support Rural Communities
Funds increase access to clean energy, education and health care and boost economic growth
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 28, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Administrator Andy Berke to announce that up to $1.4 billion in federal funds are going to increase Kentucky’s access to clean energy, education and health care as well as support economic growth in rural communities.
The Governor was joined in the Capitol Rotunda by Tony Campbell, president and CEO of East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC); Jody Hughes, vice chairman of the cooperative’s board; and USDA Rural Development, Kentucky State Director Thomas Carew.
First, Administrator Berke said EKPC will be eligible to receive up to $1.4 billion in grants and subsidized loans under the USDA’s Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. These funds will allow EKPC to provide renewable energy that will help power homes and businesses in rural Kentucky. The project will also help rural communities attract new business and support economic growth and job creation.
“Many of the big economic development projects we’re working on – and we’re working on a bunch of them – have business leaders telling us, ‘You’ve got to provide us this much in renewable energy by this date,’” Gov. Beshear said. “And today’s award means East Kentucky Power is going to help us meet this demand and land more projects and more jobs in the coming years.”
“When we transition to clean energy, we lower the toxic pollution in our air and water,” said Administrator Berke. “At the same time, this funding will keep costs low and allow rural Kentuckians to save money on their electric bill.”
Specifically, EKPC will construct or procure 757 megawatts of renewable energy for rural portions of Kentucky, as well as improve the regional transmission grid to support renewable projects and increase energy efficiency. These efforts will also reduce pollution – including carbon dioxide emissions – by over 2.3 million tons annually, the equivalent of avoiding the pollution from 554,000 gasoline-powered cars annually.
“This New ERA funding through Rural Utilities Service enables EKPC to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maintain competitive rates for rural Kentucky,” Campbell said. “These funds will support renewable resources, including the proposed new solar facilities in Fayette and Marion counties, which will advance EKPC’s strategy to cut carbon intensity and diversify its generating portfolio.”
“The New ERA funds will play a vital role in EKPC’s thoughtful, common-sense approach to cutting carbon emissions while minimizing the cost impact for 1.1 million Kentucky residents in 89 counties,” said Anderson County resident Jody Hughes, who represents Blue Grass Energy on EKPC’s board. “This funding helps meet the needs of the people and organizations we serve, especially businesses and industries looking to reduce their carbon footprints.”
EKPC is working with Rural Utilities Service to finalize the New ERA underwriting and funding agreement, which will include projects related to today’s announcement.
The USDA also awarded more than $5.5 million in Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants. These funds will help deliver virtual health care services to more than 27,700 Kentuckians and distance learning connections to more than 12,200 students and educators in rural areas.
The Kentucky awardees include:
- County Line Primary Care;
- Red Bird Mission;
- Bowling Green-Warren County Community Hospital;
- Lewis County Primary Care Center;
- Monroe County Board of Education;
- Webster County Board of Education;
- Henry County Board of Education; and
- Trimble County School District.
Representatives from each organization were in attendance to ceremonially accept the awards and to speak about how the funds will help them positively impact the lives of Kentuckians.
“Thanks to these funds, more families in rural areas will receive the health care and education they need,” Gov. Beshear said. “We know that education is the foundation for how we prepare tomorrow’s workforce and that a better trained, more educated workforce is what will propel Kentucky forward.”
Click here to view detailed information on each award.
“Rural Kentuckians deserve access to high-quality health care and education just like those who choose to live in more urban areas, and these projects will help close the digital divide for thousands who call rural Kentucky home. Ultimately, this will lead to improved quality of life and economic prosperity, both of which make Kentucky a great place to live, work and raise a family,” said Dr. Carew.
Each awardee was selected by the USDA through a competitive process.
According to the USDA, the New ERA funding and other investments in rural clean energy in President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act make up the largest investment in rural electrification since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Rural Electrification Act into law in 1936 as part of the New Deal.
Today’s announcements build on the work Gov. Beshear is doing to make sure Kentucky remains a leader in the energy sector.
Administrator Berke also joined Gov. Beshear in Estill County last month to celebrate the USDA’s $73 million in loan funding that will help the state and its private sector partners build four new hydroelectric plants at abandoned lock and dam structures on the Kentucky River. These plants mean more green energy and new jobs and represent $100 million in new investment in Appalachia.
In March, Gov. Beshear announced that, thanks to as much as $961 million in U.S. Department of Energy funding and companies betting on Kentucky, there are five planned energy-related economic development projects that could bring thousands of new jobs and billions in investment to the commonwealth.
“So many Kentuckians helped power the industrial revolution that created the strongest middle class the world has ever seen and powered us through two world wars, and we are thankful for the federal support that will help us continue to provide power for the next century,” Gov. Beshear said.
To view Kentucky’s energy strategy, click here.
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