Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 2, 2025) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development; funding to improve bridges; RISING, a documentary from Team Kentucky; and medical cannabis. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman provided an update on the new Kentucky State Police (KSP) Drivers' Skills Pad. Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, joined the Governor to provide an update on the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative. The Governor named Good Samaritans Arlyn Alvarez and Trenton Police Chief Henry Hamlet this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear was joined by representatives of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers as he proclaimed October Manufacturing Month in Kentucky, recognizing the industry as an essential driver of the commonwealth's record economic growth and job creation.

Bridge Improvement Projects
As part of his commitment to ensuring safer travel for Kentucky families, Gov. Beshear announced the latest round of funding from the County and City Bridge Improvement Program, awarding $7.75 million for 17 critical bridge projects across 13 Kentucky counties and three cities. The funding will repair, replace or preserve bridges to improve safety, extend their lifespan, remove lengthy detours, and maintain important community links for Kentuckians.  

Kentucky State Police Drivers' Skills Pad
Continuing to build a safer New Kentucky Home, Lt. Gov. Coleman recently joined the KSP to break ground on a new, state-of-the-art Drivers' Skills Pad at the agency's training academy in Frankfort. The $2.7 million project will provide troopers, officers and cadets with a facility dedicated to safely practice and refine advanced driving techniques.

Our Healthy Kentucky Home
Dr. Stack recapped the first year of Our Healthy Kentucky Home, an initiative to promote simple, positive and attainable goals to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. He also announced that the initiative will continue into a second year.

"Throughout this campaign, we have strived to build healthier homes, healthier neighborhoods and a healthier state," said Dr. Stack. "Even though we are wrapping up year one, this isn't an end - it's only a beginning. Every small step, every healthy meal, every walk with a neighbor, every check-in on a friend builds the kind of Kentucky we all want to call home." 

RISING Documentary
Gov. Beshear provided an update on RISING, a documentary from Team Kentucky. RISING tells the story of the strength and resilience of Eastern Kentuckians as they undertake the most ambitious rebuilding effort in the nation following the historic 2022 floods. On Sept. 26, the Governor hosted a second screening of the film at the Grand Theatre in Frankfort. This followed the documentary's premiere on Sept. 18 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.

All proceeds from the film benefit the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund. The Governor announced that through the first two screenings of RISING, Team Kentucky raised nearly $9,000 for the relief fund. If you would like to support the fund or purchase RISING merchandise, visit rising.ky.gov.

Medical Cannabis
Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky's Medical Cannabis Program has reached another milestone as Natural State GreenGrass CannaCo, a Tier III cultivation facility based in Madison County, has been approved to begin cultivation activities. This is one of the two largest cultivation facilities in the state. The facility will eventually expand to 25,000 square feet of cultivation space.

"This operator, and so many others, will help us ensure that Kentuckians suffering from serious medical conditions will have safe access to medical cannabis for years to come," said Gov. Beshear.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named Good Samaritans Arlyn Alvarez and Trenton Police Chief Henry Hamlet this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars. Alvarez and Hamlet assisted a woman who experienced a medical emergency and crashed her vehicle. They helped her escape from the car before it became engulfed in flames.

"These two Kentuckians saved a life," said Gov. Beshear. "They showed incredible bravery in what was a very scary moment. Their selflessness and quick action made all the difference. That is why I am proud to name them our Team Kentucky All-Stars today."

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