Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, General Fund receipts, National Guard aircraft upgrades, grants to support the arts, the Team Kentucky Early Learning Center, national recognition for the U.S. 460 project, highway safety, new affordable homes in West Kentucky, Team Kentucky blood drives and the Kentucky State Fair. The Governor named Krista Groves, a director at Pennyrile Allied Community Services in Hopkinsville, as this week's Team Kentucky All-Star.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted an exciting new addition to the state's manufacturing industry as BOS Innovations, a Canadian-based industry leader in developing advanced robotic systems, celebrated the grand opening of the company's new manufacturing operation in Lexington, a $5.4 million investment creating 111 full-time Kentucky jobs.

General Fund Receipts
Gov. Beshear announced that the commonwealth's General Fund receipts rose by 29% in July, marking one of the highest growth rates in four years. Total revenues for the month were over $1.4 billion, an increase of more than $328.7 million from July 2025 receipts.

"This is great news for both businesses and our hardworking families because it shows that despite national headwinds, our economy remains strong in Kentucky," said Gov. Beshear. "We're going to continue taking steps to ensure we're building a bright future by securing more investments, creating more opportunities and continuing to be responsible with taxpayers' dollars."

National Guard Aircraft Upgrades
The Governor announced that the Kentucky National Guard (KYNG) has upgraded its MEDEVAC aircraft to a new model, the HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, which includes fuel tanks mounted outside the aircraft. This new aircraft model will improve the KYNG's capabilities for rescue missions, as the added fuel doubles the helicopter's operational range and maximum flight time.

The Governor emphasized the importance of these new aircraft. During the 2022 floods in Eastern Kentucky, the KYNG and other agencies completed 1,300 rescues, many by helicopter, and in 2025 at one apartment complex in Martin County, the KYNG evacuated over 243 Kentuckians by helicopter during a flooding event.

"These aircraft are essential, and now, they can fly longer search, rescue and recovery missions without needing to stop and refuel," said Gov. Beshear. "The Guard wants Kentuckians to know that they may see these aircraft conducting routine training flights. It's not a cause for concern; it's part of our soldiers' preparation so they're ready to rescue folks who need help during an emergency."

The Governor shared a Good News update on this project.

Investing in the Arts
Gov. Beshear announced 15 nonprofit organizations across the commonwealth will receive $51,175 in grant funding to book dance, music, theater and storytelling performers from the Kentucky Arts Council Performing Artists Directory. The Governor shared a Good News update on this project.

Team Kentucky Early Learning Center
As Kentucky kids head back to school, the Governor shared updates on Team Kentucky's investments in education, including with the Team Kentucky Early Learning Center. This center will give executive branch employees a discounted childcare option in Frankfort. Enrolled children will have access to a research-based curriculum, which builds foundational skills to prepare them for kindergarten. Opening Aug. 31, the center will have capacity for 92 children. The Governor noted that there are still open spaces for children ages one through five, and encouraged executive branch employees who are interested to visit the center's website.

This year, the Governor's administration has increased access to early education and child care for nearly 3,000 children through the Early Learning Center and five Pre-K Pilot Programs for Dawson Springs Independent, Franklin County Schools, Glasgow Independent Schools, Robertson County Schools and Rockcastle County Schools.

"Education is the key to breaking generational cycles of poverty. That's why we've not just fought for Pre-K for All, but we've also made this an education-first administration," said Gov. Beshear. "I believe in our public schools. I am a product of them. My kids are enrolled in them. So I will keep investing in them. Because every person deserves access to a strong education - from our littlest learners to adults looking to expand their opportunities."

U.S. 460 Project Receives National Recognition
The Governor announced that a transformative project to build a new U.S. Highway 460 corridor in Eastern Kentucky earned Team Kentucky regional recognition for its positive impact on communities and regional development. The project will be considered for a Top 12 finalist spot among national projects competing for a Grand Prize and People's Choice Award. Opening Oct. 31, 2025, the nearly 17-mile, four-lane corridor connects Pikeville to the Virginia state line. It provides a safer and more reliable route through one of Kentucky's most mountainous regions.

Highway Safety
In February, the Governor announced that Kentucky has seen three consecutive years of decreasing highway fatalities. Today, the Governor shared that, unfortunately, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is seeing a reverse in that trend. From Jan. 1 to Aug. 7, 2026, compared with that same period last year, Kentucky has seen a 6% increase in highway fatalities. So far, 402 Kentuckians have been lost to crashes on Kentucky highways. The Governor also noted that Kentucky has seen increases in aggressive driving, distracted driving and impaired driving, as well as a 7% increase in instances where a seat belt was either improperly used or not used at all. The Governor encouraged Kentuckians to buckle up, put the phone down, drive sober and stay alert.

"These are preliminary numbers, and we hope the trend will reverse by year's end - but let's not wait. We can make lifesaving decisions today, by choosing to drive smarter," said Gov. Beshear. "Because even one death on our roadways is too many, and it takes all of us working together to make a difference."

Fulton County Housing
Gov. Beshear highlighted a groundbreaking in Fulton County yesterday for 10 new homes in the Cayce community. These homes are being built with the help of $2 million from Team Kentucky's Disaster Recovery Program.

Team Kentucky Blood Drives
Gov. Beshear announced that, through blood drives hosted by his office, Team Kentucky has collected over 300 units of lifesaving blood. Team Kentucky reached that milestone this week, after the Governor and First Lady's Aug. 11 blood drive, where 40 units of blood were collected.

The Governor thanked all those who have donated and reminded Kentuckians that while the country is facing a national blood supply crisis, they can sign up for a drive near them at Governor.ky.gov/GiveBlood.

Kentucky State Fair
The Governor reminded Kentuckians that the Kentucky State Fair is taking place Aug. 20-30 at the Kentucky Expo Center. For schedules and visitor information, visit kystatefair.org.

"The fair has something for the whole family to enjoy - good food, music, animals, art, rides and so much more. And above all, it's an opportunity to celebrate our amazing agriculture industry and the important work done every day by our Kentucky farmers," said Gov. Beshear. "Kentucky is a special place, and this is our chance to celebrate it, so bring your family and friends and stop by the State Fair this year."

Team Kentucky All-Star
The Governor named Krista Groves, a director at Pennyrile Allied Community Services in Hopkinsville, as this week's Team Kentucky All-Star. Groves' independent writing assignment was selected for inclusion in the Lois J. Carson Library of Excellence. The library is a permanent national archive used to train community leaders across the country.

"Krista was one of only two in the nation selected for this honor in her field," said Gov. Beshear. "Community Action is a great partner to Team Kentucky, serving every county in Kentucky. And we are so proud Krista is being celebrated."

###