Gov. Beshear: Kentucky, States Win Challenge To Restore AmeriCorps Grant Funding
Win restores remaining Fiscal Year 2025 funds nationwide; Kentucky
set to receive more than $9 million in congressionally approved funding
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 29, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that he, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, 22 state attorneys general and the District of Columbia successfully secured all of the AmeriCorps funding the Trump administration tried to halt in dismantling the nation’s public service agency. The win will restore the rest of the more than $9 million in funds appropriated by Congress to support Kentucky’s AmeriCorps service commission, Serve Kentucky, which focuses on housing development, the fight against hunger, family support, education, disaster relief and more.
“AmeriCorps and Serve Kentucky make our people, communities and country stronger by providing food, housing support, education, mental health services and more, and it was illegal and short-sighted for the President’s administration to try and dismantle this independent federal agency,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today is a good day for our commonwealth and country, as we once again see that the law – and what’s right for the American people – can rise above any challenge.”
Gov. Beshear joined in filing the multistate lawsuit in April of this year and in June secured an injunction to stop the federal government from terminating the nearly $400 million worth of AmeriCorps programs. On Thursday, the Trump administration agreed to release all remaining AmeriCorps money to states rather than fight the multistate team’s lawsuit. This will provide the remaining $208,487 due to Serve Kentucky.
Others represented in the AmeriCorps lawsuit include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
This is the latest victory in cases Gov. Beshear has joined to protect federal dollars due to Kentucky, including the restoration of $96 million in education funding. The release of education funding followed a challenge by the Governor and 23 other states and the District of Columbia that claimed the freeze violated federal statutory and regulatory requirements. A week after the coalition sued, the U.S. Department of Education began releasing the promised funds and had released all of Kentucky’s funds by the following week.
“These funds aren’t about Democrat or Republican – they were appropriated by Congress for the education of Kentuckians, and I’m proud we were able to get them back,” said Gov. Beshear.
In February, the Governor joined a lawsuit with 23 other states to successfully stop the federal Office of Management and Budget from freezing federal funds that Kentucky was awarded and that Congress had appropriated. In April, the Governor and 23 other states sued to protect $11 billion of public health funding that the federal government had terminated despite Congress having appropriated the money – including $148 million obligated to Kentucky. Along with fighting to protect Kentucky dollars in court, Gov. Beshear and his administration have sent letters to federal government agencies to remind them of their obligations to provide federal funds awarded to Kentucky.
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Lt. Gov. Coleman Joins Vsimple To Announce Relocation of Headquarters to Louisville With $5.1 Million Investment Creating 194 Quality Jobs
Relocation project further solidifies Louisville as a hub for innovative technology
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 28, 2025) – Today, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined local officials and leadership from Vsimple Inc., a leading AI company that specializes in improving operational inefficiencies for mid- to large-sized companies, as the company announced its plans to relocate its headquarters from Southern Indiana to Louisville with a $5.1 million investment that will create 194 well-paying, Kentucky jobs.
“Today we’re celebrating yet another significant announcement in our economy as Vsimple relocates to Louisville and creates 194 new, good-paying jobs for Kentuckians,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “I want to thank Vsimple for believing in what our great state and workforce has to offer and officially welcome them to their new Kentucky home.”
“Today’s event is an incredible example of what happens when we commit to supporting our people and our businesses,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “The more diverse Kentucky’s economy is, the more opportunities we offer to businesses looking to expand or relocate. We have the workforce, the resources and the Team Kentucky spirit to keep our economy surging forward and I am incredibly excited to be here today to celebrate this next step for Vsimple and the Jefferson County area.”
To meet growing consumer demand from clients across North America, Vsimple will relocate and establish a new base of operations and company headquarters in Louisville. The over-$5 million investment will include a new, modern office building that will allow Vsimple to centralize its team, accelerate recruitment of top talent and strengthen its connection to a thriving business community. The creation of 194 well-paying jobs will further establish Louisville as a hub for high-wage tech jobs and AI innovation.
“Relocating our headquarters to Louisville is more than coming home, it’s a chance to help shape the city’s future as a center for innovation,” Vsimple founder and CEO Buddy Bockweg said. “Our platform was built for the industries that keep America moving and Louisville gives us the support, talent and partnerships to scale that mission even further.”
Founded in 2020 in New Albany, Indiana, Vsimple was born out of a deep understanding of the operational inefficiencies that plague mid- to large-sized businesses, particularly in manufacturing, distribution, construction and professional services. The company’s proprietary software AI platform focuses on streamlining operations; connecting people, systems, processes and data into one intelligent platform that eliminates chaos, accelerates growth, creates a competitive advantage, enhances company culture and drives real financial results. On Sept. 16, the company is hosting an AI Summit in Louisville at the Lynn Family Stadium to equip business owners and executives with the insights, strategies and connections needed to lead confidently into the AI-driven future.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said this project shows the region’s commitment to tech innovation: “You can feel the job growth and economic development momentum as Vsimple chooses Louisville to make our city their new home. This investment is a major win – not only for our economy, but for the growing tech community showing Louisville is the best to do business, and we have the talent, infrastructure and momentum to power the next generation of innovation.”
Trevor Pawl, CEO of the Louisville Economic Development Alliance, said he is excited to see Vsimple and the community grow together: “Vsimple’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Louisville is a clear signal that our city is becoming a magnet for fast-growing tech firms. With this investment and nearly 200 high-quality jobs, they are not only growing their own future, they’re contributing to ours too. We’re excited to partner with Vsimple as they scale, and we’re proud to support them as part of Louisville’s expanding innovation economy.”
Vsimple’s investment and job creation build on the best five-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,200 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling close to $40 billion in announced investments, creating more than 63,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $18 billion more than the next highest total.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. Since 2022, the average incentivized hourly wage has topped $26 in three consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; Ford Motor Co.’s $2 billion, 2,200 job commitment in Louisville; and Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.
Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings. Site Selection also placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and No. 6 nationally in its 2025 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Gov. Beshear also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in May 2025 preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $1.5 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $5.1 million and annual targets of:
- Creation and maintenance of 194 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years; and
- Paying an average hourly wage of $72 including benefits across those jobs.
By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.
In addition, Vsimple can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.
For more information on Vsimple, visit vsimple.com.
A detailed community profile for Jefferson County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
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Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 28, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, a new speed to market initiative, the Mountain Parkway Expansion, railroad grants, Overdose Awareness Day and Violence Against Women Act grant funding. The Governor also spoke on yesterday’s events in Minneapolis and recognized those who work to protect our children, teachers and school staff as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Economic Development
Gov. Beshear announced that Vsimple Inc., a leading AI company that specializes in improving operational inefficiencies for mid- to large-sized companies, will relocate its headquarters from Southern Indiana to Louisville with a $5.1 million investment that will create 194 well-paying, Kentucky jobs. Today, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman will join local officials in Louisville and leadership from the company to celebrate the announcement.
The Governor announced that production of electric vehicle batteries officially began Aug. 19 in Glendale at the BlueOval SK Battery Park, the largest economic investment and jobs announcement in state history. The production milestone comes after the September 2021 announcement, where the Governor and company leaders celebrated the transformative $5.8 billion investment by Ford Motor Co. and SK On that is set to create 5,000 jobs – 1,450 of which are already filled.
Gov. Beshear also highlighted new momentum within the state’s workforce development initiatives, positioning communities around Kentucky for future economic success. Nearly 2,300 Kentuckians will receive skills training thanks to support provided through the Bluegrass State Skills Corp., which oversees programs attached to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development that help private-sector businesses establish industry-specific training initiatives.
Speed to Market Initiative
Gov. Beshear announced a new tool that builds on Team Kentucky’s commitment to speed to market for businesses of any size with speedtomarket.ky.gov, a one stop shop for anyone looking to start a business, expand or relocate in Kentucky. The site includes information on financial incentives, resources by industry, guidance on tax information, licenses and permits, insurance needs and more.
“Team Kentucky is committed to helping businesses get up and running fast, effectively and with confidence,” said Gov. Beshear. “I’m proud to announce we’re building on that commitment by sharing another tool we’ve created for potential businesses looking to make this their New Kentucky Home.”
Mountain Parkway Expansion
Last week, Gov. Beshear joined local, state and federal officials to break ground on the final section of the Mountain Parkway Expansion – a 13-mile stretch of new four-lane highway that will connect Salyersville in Magoffin County to Prestonsburg in Floyd County.
The final segment, known as Magoffin-Floyd, is the last of six project segments to go to construction on the 45-mile, billion-dollar Mountain Parkway Expansion. The project is delivering a decades-long promise to complete the parkway and close the only remaining gap in a continuous, four-lane, high-speed corridor linking Eastern Kentucky to the rest of the commonwealth.
Railroad Grants
The Governor announced $7.5 million in state grants to support six Kentucky railway infrastructure improvement projects. Projects will fund the replacement and rehabilitation of over 30 miles of rail, renew an additional 53 miles of track surface, provide critical maintenance to a lift bridge, and more, ultimately supporting and encouraging economic growth.
Overdose Awareness Day
The Governor signed a proclamation recognizing Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in the commonwealth. Following efforts by Team Kentucky and community partners to keep dangerous drugs off the streets, reduce the stigma around asking for help, and ensure there are treatment options in every community, the commonwealth has seen three straight years of decline in overdose deaths. The Governor was joined by Tara Hyde, CEO of People Advocating Recovery and a survivor of addiction, who shared the importance of eliminating barriers to recovery.
“Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember those we have lost, honor their families, and stand with those still struggling,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want to thank all the recovery advocates across the state. Together, we are building a New Kentucky Home – where we have more resources to fight addiction and our communities are safer. We’ve made a lot of progress, but we still have more to do. One life lost to overdose is too many.”
During the Update, Gov. Beshear also announced that Boyd, Carter, Clay, Greenup, Letcher and Owsley counties have each been certified as Recovery Ready Communities for their commitment to providing residents with access to addiction treatment and recovery support and removing barriers to the workforce. A total of 31 counties in the commonwealth are now certified as Recovery Ready Communities for having established services available for more than 1.7 million Kentuckians who are seeking help for drug or alcohol addiction.
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, the KY HELP Call Center can connect you to treatment by calling 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357). Information about treatment programs is available at FindHelpNowKy.org. Information on how to obtain the life-saving drug naloxone, which is used to reverse an opioid overdose, can be found at that website as well as at FindNaloxoneNow.ky.gov.
Violence Against Women Act Grant Funding
Gov. Beshear announced that applications are now available for more than $2 million in federal funding through the Violence Against Women Act to help prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking in the commonwealth.
“Domestic violence is something no one should ever have to go through,” said Gov. Beshear. “From providing survivors and their families with the resources they need to rebuild their lives to tackling the root issues of violence in our communities, I am going to keep fighting for the inches that become the miles of progress until we reach our goal of building that safer Kentucky we all want.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Today, Team Kentucky released the annual school safety report, highlighting progress the commonwealth is making to ensure safer public schools. The report shows that 1,315 Kentucky public schools are following state-mandated security requirements, including electronic-locking front doors, surveillance, locked classroom doors, classroom-window coverings and a threat-assessment team. The Governor announced that the commonwealth currently has 842 school resource officers guarding public schools every day, a 104% increase since the beginning of the Beshear-Coleman administration.
The Governor also recognized the horrific act of violence that took place in Minneapolis yesterday, where a shooting during Mass at a Minneapolis Catholic school took the lives of at least 2 children and injured 17 others.
“Every American child should be able to be safe and feel safe in their schools. And no parent should ever have to go through the pain and suffering these parents – and so many like them – have faced,” said Gov. Beshear. “While today’s All-Stars is a tough one, it’s an important one to recognize: all those who show up every day to protect our kids, our teachers, school staff and everyone at our public schools. Let’s keep standing up for the safety of our children and our fellow Americans.”
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Gov. Beshear, Congressman Rogers Announce $26 Million for Eastern Kentucky Economic Revitalization
CORBIN, Ky. (Aug. 29, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced nearly $26 million to help support education, tourism and economic development in Kentucky’s Appalachian region. The funding was announced at the annual SOAR conference in Corbin.
Fifteen recipients in 11 counties are receiving the funds as part of the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program. When completed, the projects are expected to retain or create more than 3,500 jobs and train up to 1,200 Kentuckians annually.
Projects receiving funding will expand quality health care throughout the region, improve drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities, enhance high-tech training and employment opportunities, and support economic development and tourism. Infrastructure improvements will serve 240 businesses and more than 17,000 households. Community wellness projects will treat 900,000 people annually, and tourism projects are expected to bring nearly 110,000 new visitors to the region each year.
“Eastern Kentucky has a bright future and investments like the ones we announced today are going to ensure that’s true for generations to come,” said Gov. Beshear. “Team Kentucky is laser focused on providing opportunity for our workforce, building resilient communities, and delivering state-of-the-art services to our families, while we continue to do the work that’s fueling our red-hot economy.”
Congressman Rogers, who championed the program as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, has overseen $1 billion in federal funding go toward AMLER since 2016, of which more than $253 million has been awarded for more than 100 projects.
“These grants are investing in strong projects that will support economic growth and stability in our coal communities,” said Congressman Rogers. “We are fast-tracking projects that will create new jobs and improve tourism, health care, education, emergency services and infrastructure in southern and eastern Kentucky. Our best days are ahead of us and these projects ensure that we are on the right path for innovation and revitalization.”
Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman selected the projects for initial vetting by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). A record number of 85 applications (requesting over $302 million) were received for consideration by the Cabinet’s Division of Abandoned Mine Lands.
“Selecting these projects is no easy task,” Secretary Goodman said. “Each one has exceptional value and community benefit. It’s rewarding to be part of it and to watch as the projects are completed.”
Since the beginning of Gov. Beshear’s administration, 66 AMLER projects have been awarded totaling nearly $140 million. Twenty-four projects have been completed.
The projects selected for funding through the $25.95 million 2025 AMLER grant funding include:
The Aviation STEM Career Training Initiative in Greenup County was selected to receive $1.02 million to establish an Aviation STEM training program for high school students in Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties. The program will provide FAA-certified flight instruction.
AMLER funding will be used to purchase fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft and flight simulators; provide classroom improvements, curriculum materials, aircraft insurance, maintenance and outreach; and hire personnel. The project anticipates graduating 15 students per year with FAA certification.
“There is nothing better in Kentucky than providing opportunities for our students and giving them another option when choosing a career path,” said Greenup County Judge/Executive Bobby Hall. “With the Aviation STEM Career Training Initiative, high school students will not just learn about aviation, they will open a door to a high-wage, high-demand career that those before them did not have. I want to personally thank everyone involved. This program addresses the national pilot shortage and strengthens our workforce in Greenup County and Northeastern Kentucky.”
The City of Ashland Conference Center, a planned 30,000 square-foot facility in Boyd County, was selected to receive $2 million for technology infrastructure, furnishings and parking. The center is expected to create 191 new jobs within five years of completion and a $500,000 increase in tourism revenue.
“The city of Ashland is thrilled about its upcoming conference center, one of the largest economic development projects in our city’s history,” said Erika Bonner, Ashland’s public information officer. “Located in the heart of downtown Ashland, this facility will showcase the very best of our area, serving as a gathering place for events and opportunities while offering state-of-the-art technology, hospitality and great service. We look forward to creating jobs, attracting visitors and creating a space our community is proud of.”
An Environmental Resiliency, Water Quality and Tank Rehabilitation Project in Cannonsburg was selected to receive $1.5 million to strengthen the resiliency of the city’s water system. AMLER funding will be used to install natural gas and diesel generators, and mixing systems at the storage facilities, and to repair storage tanks. The project will improve water quality through the reduction of contaminants in the system, improve service and responsiveness during disasters, and extend the life of the storage facilities.
“Over the years, increasingly severe climate change and environmental degradation have placed growing pressure on water infrastructure across Kentucky. These challenges have made it more difficult to maintain consistent access to clean, safe, and reliable water—especially during times of crisis,” said Cannonsburg Water District Manager Tim Webb. “Through this project, we will not only enhance the overall quality of the water but will also strengthen the system’s resilience. This means we’ll be better equipped to ensure uninterrupted water service even in the face of natural disasters and extreme weather events, safeguarding public health and supporting community stability when it’s needed most.”
The Hilltop Park Pavilion in the city of Hyden was selected to receive $300,000 to construct a pavilion and splash pad for the community. When completed, the pavilion is expected to increase visitors by 200-300 yearly.
Hyden Mayor Carol Joseph said, “This funding is very beneficial to Hyden. We utilize our outdoor spaces and The Biggerstaff Trails are utilized by the whole county. It has long been a dream to build a gazebo for weddings, parties or reunions. It is a perfect spot nestled in the mountains and overlooking the town. We are thrilled to have our dream realized by the AMLER grant.”
The Lake Point Sewer Extension Project in the city of Jackson was selected to receive $1.58 million to install 4,500 linear feet of sewer lines to connect to an unserved area along Panbowl Road. The project will provide sewer service to 15 new customers and allow for future development opportunities.
“The city of Jackson is excited to hear that we will receive AMLER funding for the Lake Point Sewer Extension,” said Jackson Mayor Laura Thomas. “This project will extend sanitary sewer services to homes in the city limits that currently do not have access to municipal sewer services. These new services will help reduce health risks, improve water quality, and support economic development. We are very grateful for the funding.”
The Lynch Motorsports Welcome Center in Harlan County was selected to receive $260,000 for Phase II of the project. A 2020 AMLER grant renovated the Lynch Motorsports Visitors Center. Backroads of Appalachia plans to use the 2025 funding to resurface the parking area and install safety features, a welcome center sign and the immensely popular signature board, which is signed by thousands of visitors annually. The center is expected to welcome 40,000 visitors yearly.
“Backroads of Appalachia is honored to receive Phase II of the Lynch Welcome Center through the Abandoned Mine Lands program,” said Erik Hubbard, director of Backroads of Appalachia. “This phase will bring a new parking lot to complement the beautifully renovated welcome center, known worldwide as the Dragon Slayer. What was once a coal community landmark has become one of the top motorcycle and car destinations in the region, drawing thousands of visitors from across the country and the globe. At its core, this project represents more than just infrastructure – it is about driving economic development through motorsports and creating new opportunities for Harlan County and the people of Eastern Kentucky.”
The Magoffin Pediatric Expansion at Big Sandy Health Care was selected to receive $1.3 million for the redesign of the second floor, adding five exam rooms and two provider offices, and expanding the waiting room and common spaces. The construction project will create three jobs and will increase patient care by 1,000 by the second year of operation.
CEO of Big Sandy Health Care James W. Herald III said, “Big Sandy Health Care Inc. is honored to be selected as a 2025 AMLER award recipient. With this award, BSHC plans to renovate Hope Family Health Services-Pediatrics facility in Salyersville in order to break down barriers and expand access to pediatric services in the economically declining, coal-impacted communities of Magoffin County. Because of the generous support of AMLER, the results of this project will stimulate the local economy by creating health-care jobs, attracting families to stay or return, and increasing access to essential quality pediatric care close to home. Thank you for helping BSHC expand access to pediatric health care.”
The Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation Autism Clinic in Letcher County was selected to receive $1.5 million to establish an autism clinic to support families with children in need of screening, evaluation and treatment. AMLER funding will support the administration, engineering, and construction of the project, which will create 30 jobs and serve over 500 children annually.
“Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation is honored to be awarded an AMLER grant for the development of the new, state-of-the-art MCHC autism clinic for children,” said Teresa Dotson, director of Financial Affairs. “The new MCHC Autism Clinic for Children will serve as a comprehensive resource for both children and their families. The clinic’s focus will be twofold: to help children with autism develop essential skills needed to navigate daily life, and to empower families with the tools and knowledge necessary to support their child’s growth. The clinic will also work with local school systems to prepare the child to become a student so they can have the same opportunities for education and development as other children.”
The Nursing Live and Learn Dormitory at Union Commonwealth University in Knox County was selected to receive $780,000 to help renovate the residential live and learn space for nursing students. The project will create five jobs, and the dormitory will house 125 nursing program students within three years.
President of Union Commonwealth University Dr. D.J. Washington said, “Union has always served the heart of Appalachia. This initiative strengthens that legacy, giving local students the opportunity to train in world-class facilities and serve their neighbors with the skill and compassion our communities deserve. This is a unified investment in Appalachia’s future – keeping talent here, creating good jobs and ensuring our health-care workforce is prepared to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.”
The Paintsville Independent Schools STEAM Program was selected to receive $2.64 million and will support a skilled labor force within the community through education and training. The project will offer programs in applied health sciences, marketing and entrepreneurship, computer programming, culinary arts, and media and sound production. The funding will support general construction, electrical and HVAC installation, and architectural renovations. The STEM program expects to train 400 students yearly.
“This grant will allow us to reimagine how we prepare our students for the future,” said Superintendent Bryan Auxier. “The STEAM Center will provide cutting-edge resources, technology, and collaborative spaces that foster innovation, creativity and hands-on learning. It will be more than a building – it will be a launchpad for student success and community revitalization.
“We are honored to be a recipient of this funding and deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by our federal, state and local leaders. This STEAM Center will stand as a symbol of excellence, renewal, opportunity, and what’s possible when we invest in our children and our future.”
The Pathways Autism Center in Carter County was selected to receive $4.04 million for the construction of a 13,000 square foot autism center. The center will create 50 new jobs and expect to serve 250 clients within the first year.
“The Autism Center in Grayson will serve as a vital resource for our community, offering comprehensive care and support for individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan,” said Pathways, Inc CEO Jennifer Willis. “By providing services for both children and adults, the center will fill a critical gap in access to care, ensuring that families no longer have to travel long distances or go without the specialized support their loved ones need. This center will create opportunities for early intervention, skill-building and long-term supports that promote independence and quality of life while also providing families with guidance and hope. More than a place for services, it will be a hub of inclusion, understanding and progress, representing a commitment to ensuring every person in our community has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The Rousseau Volunteer Fire Department’s Tower and Repeater Project was selected to receive $380,000 to implement a modernized mobile radio communications system and construct a 150G tower. The investment will improve critical infrastructure to support community resilience, improve coordination and enhance safety for nearly 1,200 citizens within the Rouseau community.
Rousseau Volunteer Fire Department Chief Greg Wilson said, “This grant funding will help Rousseau Volunteer Fire Department have suitable radio coverage for all 911 runs. This will give us the capability of getting in touch with EMS or law enforcement when the need arises, even with no cell phone coverage. This grant funding will not only help Rousseau Fire Department in everyday emergencies but will also let the citizens know that we have the needed equipment to respond in a timely manner. This will help every citizen of Rousseau. We cannot thank everyone that has been involved in helping us secure this grant, and on behalf of Rousseau Volunteer Fire Department, we want to say thanks to all.”
Saint Joseph Health System in London was selected to receive $650,000 to purchase a CT Scanner to improve cancer, cardio, neurological, and trauma care in the region.
“As president of Saint Joseph Health System, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gov. Beshear and the entire team,” said Matt Grimshaw, market CEO. “Saint Joseph London operates the busiest emergency department in our health system with 34,000 annual visits, as well as the highest number of imaging volumes. In order for us to honor our commitment to provide comprehensive treatment and care, we at Saint Joseph London understand that diagnosing patients is the very first step in the healing journey. Providing our hospital with this grant will allow us to purchase a CT scanner which is fundamental in diagnosing brain, spine, abdominal, heart, and stroke patients. Over a three-year period, this project will provide 19,200 CT scans, 9.3 million in net patient services revenue, and $925,954 in charity care for patients uninsured and underinsured. Most importantly, this CT scanner will benefit the London community by providing precise diagnoses and improving subsequent health outcomes.”
The Somerset Community College Career and Technical Education Training Complex has been selected to receive $6 million to develop a career and technical facility supporting workforce training programs like construction, HVAC, welding, automotive and diesel technology, electrical technology, and industrial maintenance. AMLER funds will be used for equipment purchases and classroom furnishings. As a result, the college anticipates a 20% increase in student enrollment and credentials earned within three years of completion.
“We’re excited and thankful to be a recipient of this AMLER grant,” said Dr. Carey Castle, president and CEO of Somerset Community College. “The College will be able to focus on upgrading our programs with new equipment and furniture for our new Technical Building at the Laurel campus in London. Our goal is to make this building a centerpiece for business and industry in Southeast Kentucky, and by bringing in the latest training tools to match our business and industry partners’ needs, we will be able to train future employees at a level exceeding their expectations. Our Technical Building brings a new look to the historical Interstate Coal Company and a new pathway for the students and communities in our region.”
The city of Whitesburg’s Wastewater Treatment Plant has been selected to receive $2 million for facility upgrades that will restore and enhance services for the city. Funds will be used to replace essential infrastructure and technology. The project will serve 969 households and 156 businesses.
“On behalf of myself and the city of Whitesburg, we extend our deepest gratitude for this generous grant,” said Whitesburg Mayor Tiffany Craft. “This investment is more than just funding – it’s an investment in the people of our community and in the future of our city.”
Information about the AMLER program can be found on the Energy and Environment Cabinet website or by contacting James Cable, director, Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, KY 40601. Office: 502-782-9913, e-mail: James.Cable@ky.gov.
Today’s announcements further the commitment of the administration to support economic growth and resilience throughout Eastern Kentucky.
On Aug. 18, Gov. Beshear joined local, state and federal officials to break ground on the final section of the Mountain Parkway Expansion – a 13-mile stretch of new four-lane highway that will connect Salyersville in Magoffin County to Prestonsburg in Floyd County. The project is delivering a decades-long promise to complete the parkway and close the only remaining gap in a continuous, four-lane, high-speed corridor linking Eastern Kentucky to the rest of the commonwealth.
Progress continues on Gov. Beshear’s high-ground initiative – eight sites in Eastern Kentucky that will eventually provide over 500 new, affordable homes for flood survivors out of the flood plain.
In July, Team Kentucky broke ground on the first three homes at New Hope Estates in Floyd County. It will be the site of 34 homes. In May, the Governor joined local leaders to celebrate the completion of the Cottages at Thompson Branch high-ground community, the site of 10 new homes. Just this week, five new, affordable homes were dedicated for flood survivors at the Skyview high-ground community in Hazard.
Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings. Site Selection also placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and No. 6 nationally in its 2025 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
At the 2024 SOAR Summit, Gov. Beshear and Congressman announced $30.2 million to help support 12 local projects in eight Eastern Kentucky counties.
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