Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 16, 2025) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear provided an update on economic development, funding awards to support communities recovering from flooding, winter weather, wildfires affecting Southern California, Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Governor's recent State of the Commonwealth Address and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Governor also named the Lincoln Trail Area Development District team members as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
The Governor recapped his announcement that Nitto - a global developer of state-of-the-art technology and provider of products and services for automotive, electronics, aerospace and other industries - will open a new facility in Frankfort, creating 220 full-time jobs.

Projects to Improve Communities
Gov. Beshear highlighted three communities receiving funds from Kentucky's Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, which is administered by Kentucky's Department for Local Government.

• The city of Jackson will use $4.8 million to conduct a study of stormwater movement to prevent future flooding events. The city will also use $3 million to replace waterlines along Quicksand Road that were damaged by the floods.
• Letcher County will use $4.2 million to replace over 8,000 feet of waterlines and replace two pump stations, improving water pressure.
• The city of Jenkins will use $5.2 million to conduct a study of stormwater movement to prevent future flooding events. The city will also use $1.4 million to make improvements to the city's wastewater treatment plant.

In total, the Governor announced eight projects for a total of $21 million. Click here to view the full list of the projects that received funding.

Weather Update
Gov. Beshear sadly reported that Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) and the Department for Public Health have confirmed six deaths related to the ice and snow the commonwealth received from Jan. 5-11. The Governor said some of these deaths were related to overexertion followed by cardiac arrest that occurred while shoveling snow and ice. The Governor reminded Kentuckians that shoveling heavy, wet snow can cause back injuries and heart attacks, so take frequent breaks when shoveling, and don't push yourself too far.

Gov. Beshear also provided an update on upcoming weather. Starting Jan. 19, the commonwealth is expecting arctic air to bring dangerously low temperatures that will remain until Jan. 22. Areas of Kentucky can expect wind chill conditions to be in the single digits and could drop below zero on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Warming centers will be available and a map of warming centers has been posted on the KYEM website.

California Wildfires
The Governor and First Lady expressed their support and love for Americans being affected by the Greater Los Angeles wildfires that have destroyed homes and lives. Gov. Beshear said California put out a call through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact for specific firefighting teams and equipment, and the Kentucky Division of Forestry answered. California is currently evaluating Kentucky's proposal against other proposals before authorizing the assistance.

"If we are called on to help, we will be there. Kentucky stands ready," said Gov. Beshear. "If you are in a position to help, you can make a donation to organizations that will be there for the long haul, helping to provide shelter, food and supplies as well as support for emergency responders. To everyone out there working to help - thank you. Our first responders make us all proud. Be safe and take care of yourself."

"When our own state faced the worst tornadoes and floods in our history, people from across the country donated to our relief funds, and to our two Christmas toy drives," the First Lady said. "Now, Team Kentucky can pay it forward by supporting families impacted by the wildfires as they rebuild their lives."

The First Lady highlighted the impact of the World Central Kitchen and Baby2Baby and encouraged Kentuckians to donate to these organizations or other favorite charities supporting wildfire relief.

Human Trafficking Prevention Month
The First Lady also highlighted January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, raising awareness about this crime and educating the public on how to identify and prevent it. The First Lady reminded Kentuckians about the Human Trafficking Hotline and discussed the different signs and types of trafficking.

"As First Lady, and as a mom, my top priority is protecting Kentucky's children and young adults," the First Lady said. "I'm proud of Team Kentucky's efforts to rescue victims, hold criminals accountable and make sure survivors have the resources they need to heal."

State of the Commonwealth Address
Gov. Beshear recapped his fifth State of the Commonwealth Address, which he delivered Jan. 8. The Governor said he was proud to report "the State of the Commonwealth is strong … and it's growing stronger." For his full address, click here.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 20, the Governor paid tribute to and celebrated the legacy and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Martin Luther King Jr. was a visionary, a true public servant committed to justice, equality and fairness for all people," said Gov. Beshear. "I continue to be inspired by the words and wisdom of Dr. King and I remain committed to walking alongside every single Kentuckian so we can continue forward, building our New Kentucky Home, where prosperity reaches every community and every family."

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named Lincoln Trail Area Development District team members as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars. On Jan. 16, the Governor visited the region to see their new aerial search and rescue drones, cutting-edge technology being used to prepare for weather-related and other disasters.

"We've seen our fair share of natural disasters in Kentucky, and we learned how important it is to be prepared, and how many lives that can save. So, it's safe to say the work being done here is crucial," said Gov. Beshear. "This achievement was made possible because of teamwork between the district, regional judge/executives, emergency managers and private sector partners. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. You are this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars."

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