FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 26, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, law enforcement training, grant funding to prevent youth crime, capping orphan wells, driver licensing wait times, scams and the Team Kentucky Derby Week Kick-Off event. First Lady Britainy Beshear announced the formation of the Human Trafficking Awareness Coalition; recapped the induction of a new honoree in the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit; and named the Kentucky Commission on Women as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
The Governor highlighted that in 2026, Kentucky has seen the best first quarter for investment in state history, with over $4.4 billion in approved investment. Over $3 billion of that has been finalized and announced. This week alone, Gov. Beshear announced over $3 billion in potential investment.

Gov. Beshear announced the single largest capital investment in Western Kentucky history as Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) announced plans to develop the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility, a $1.76 billion project that will create 240 new high-wage positions in McCracken County. GLE CEO Stephen Long joined the Team Kentucky Update to help highlight this important announcement.

Gov. Beshear highlighted continued momentum within the state's manufacturing industry as Steuart Nutrition - a producer of flexible, innovative manufacturing and packaging solutions for medium- to large-size supplement and wellness brands - announced plans to locate its company headquarters and establish a new manufacturing operation in Erlanger with a $11.4 million investment that will create 93 full-time Kentucky jobs. The project will be the company's first facility in the commonwealth.

On Monday, the Governor joined local officials and leaders from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky to celebrate 40 years of manufacturing in the commonwealth by announcing an $800 million investment to prepare the plant for its second battery electric vehicle. In addition to the investment, Toyota will donate a combined total of $4.4 million to Fayette and Scott County Schools and Eastern Kentucky University to help advance the next generation workforce and U.S. manufacturing.

On Tuesday, Gov. Beshear joined local officials and representatives from LifeSciKY and Mitsui Chemicals America, a Japan-based supplier of high-performance polymers, for the ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the strategic partnership between LifeSciKY and its first international lab resident at the OneNKY Center in Covington.

The Governor also highlighted continued growth in the state's manufacturing industry as AXN Automotive Systems celebrates the grand opening of its newly relocated Louisville facility, a nearly $15 million investment that will create 10 new full-time positions. Gov. Beshear's senior advisor, Rocky Adkins, joined the company for the celebration.

Law Enforcement Training
Furthering his commitment to enhancing public and officer safety, Gov. Beshear provided an update on the number of law enforcement officers who have graduated from basic training since he took office. As of this month, 2,698 officers have graduated from one of Kentucky's law enforcement academies, with an additional 30 new officers set to graduate this afternoon from the Department of Criminal Justice Training in Richmond. Currently, more than 9,000 law enforcement officers are serving Kentucky's communities.

The Governor also shared that the number of school resource officers protecting Kentucky's public schools continues to rise, with 937 officers currently protecting campuses across the commonwealth. Additionally, 1,202 telecommunicators have completed training since December 2019 ensuring every call is answered.

"Our hard work is paying off, from enhancing law enforcement training to ensuring our officers have access to the best equipment, new facilities and the largest annual training stipend, we are making sure there are more law enforcement ready to protect our people," said Gov. Beshear. "We're committed to creating safer communities and supporting our law enforcement."

Grant Funding To Prevent Youth Crime
Gov. Beshear announced that applications open March 27 for more than $386,000 in federal funding to prevent youth crime in the commonwealth. The Title II Formula Grants Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, supports state and local delinquency prevention efforts and juvenile justice system improvements. Eligible applicants include state and local government units, nonprofit organizations and non-governmental programs addressing juvenile delinquency prevention, including faith-based and community organizations.

Orphan Well Capping
The Governor provided an update on progress being made to cap orphan wells across the commonwealth. Team Kentucky has secured $78.9 million in federal grants to protect communities from leaking oil and gas wells that threaten air quality, seep into waterways and keep landowners from being able to use their property. Team Kentucky has plugged 126 orphan wells this year, with over 400 more in progress.

In Ashland, Team Kentucky capped an abandoned well that previously posed an environmental risk to a nearby elementary school playground. Work was successfully completed within two days. In Rockcastle County, a well was plugged near the high school's baseball field. Now, the area is safer, and the district is working to expand their athletic complex.

"These projects represent how federal investments can be used to deliver real results that protect our children, strengthen our communities and support Kentucky's future," said Gov. Beshear.

Driver Licensing Wait Times
The Governor shared an update on wait times at Driver Licensing Regional Offices. Since Spring 2025, average walk-in wait times have decreased from 49 to 12 minutes, and average appointment wait times have decreased from 25 to 10 minutes. This is following efforts by Team Kentucky to hire more staff, open more offices, launch a new line management and text check-in system, continue once-a-month Saturday hours, and hold popup licensing events in counties without an office.

"We've seen an increased strain on our Driver Licensing Regional Offices following vision screenings being required by the legislature to improve highway safety, federal Real ID enforcement and legislation that made 15-year-olds eligible for driver's permits," said Gov. Beshear. "Team Kentucky got to work and implemented major changes. We've been seeing low in-and-out times for months. We're proud of progress made, and we remain committed to continuous improvement."

Scams
Gov. Beshear warned Kentuckians of a trending scam. Fraudulent texts are being sent across the country, posing as state agencies. In Kentucky, scammers are posing as driver licensing offices. Recent messages state that the receiver has a traffic or parking violation, or that their account remains unresolved. Messages threaten to suspend driver licenses or vehicle registration.

The Governor warned Kentuckians to not click any links - even if they have KY or GOV links listed. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet does not collect traffic ticket fees or notify customers of violations. Team Kentucky is taking action to address these scams. There are also steps Kentuckians can take to report scams and better protect themselves, including through Kentucky's new Stop Scams website and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Team Kentucky Derby Week Kick-Off Event
The Governor invited Kentuckians to this year's Team Kentucky Derby Week Kick-Off event on Saturday, April 25, from noon to 5 p.m. on the Old Capitol Lawn. The event will have live music, artisan vendors, food trucks, crafts and Commonfest for the adults, where attendees can purchase beer, wine and spirits from dozens of Kentucky breweries, wineries and craft distillers.

Human Trafficking Awareness Coalition
Today, the First Lady announced the formation of the Human Trafficking Awareness Coalition. Gov. Beshear signed an executive order establishing the 15-member coalition, with experts in public safety, law enforcement, health care, media, government and more focused on preventing human trafficking and helping survivors. Mrs. Beshear will serve as chair. Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. joined the First Lady for the announcement. For more information and list of members, see the full release.

Kentucky Women Remembered
The First Lady highlighted that yesterday, the Governor and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman helped unveil the portrait for the new inductee to the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit, Ouita Michel. The exhibit, which was revived by the Beshear administration, celebrates Kentucky women as leaders and trailblazers. Since the exhibit reopened, Team Kentucky has inducted 12 new women, including Michel. Michel is a celebrated Kentucky business owner, chef and cookbook author, with beloved restaurants across the commonwealth.

"What stands out to me about Ouita is her ability to bring people together. She is a leader who is all about community," said the First Lady. "She sees everyone as a neighbor and makes sure that every person has a seat at the table. Her portrait will be a great addition to this exhibit."

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The First Lady named the Kentucky Commission on Women as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars. In addition to sharing the stories of women leaders through the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit, this group works to strengthen, empower and elevate women and girls across the commonwealth.

"As we wrap up Women's History Month, I want to personally thank our Kentucky Commission on Women," said Mrs. Beshear. "Thank you for the important work you all do to honor Kentucky women and inspire future generations."

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