FRANKFORT, KY - On May 30, 2024, Gov. Andy Beshear joined state tourism leaders at Castle & Key Distillery to celebrate the second straight record-breaking year for tourism in Kentucky. He also provided an update on economic development, including $1.1 billion in investment approved by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, and recent storms that swept the commonwealth. The Governor named the state’s tourism industry partners as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted exciting growth in the state’s efforts to better support the surging automotive market as Hydro Aluminum Metals USA LLC, a producer of recycled aluminum products, will expand its manufacturing operation in Henderson with an $85 million investment creating 31 high-wage Kentucky jobs.

Hydro President and CEO Eivind Kallevik joined the Governor for the announcement: “This investment is another step along Hydro’s journey to change the game in aluminum production. Recycling more end-of-life scrap reduces emissions, strengthens security of supply and enables us to deliver new, cutting-edge products to our U.S. customers, made right here in Kentucky.”

The Governor announced further momentum within the state’s manufacturing and distribution sectors as the United States Playing Card Co. (USPC), an industry leader in the production of premier brands of playing cards, will be expanding their Erlanger facility with a significant investment creating 10 full-time, Kentucky jobs.

The Governor announced more than $5.7 million in state funding to support site and building development across five counties. The latest round of funding was approved today through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative and, including local matching funds, more than $18 million is being invested across the commonwealth.

Gov. Beshear also announced that the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved 10 more new-location and expansion projects across the state, totaling $1.1 billion dollars in proposed investments and creating approximately 529 full-time jobs for Kentuckians.

Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, more than 1,000 private-sector new-location projects have been announced, totaling over $31.7 billion and creating more than 53,300 jobs for Kentuckians.

Tourism Industry Achieves Historic Success
Gov. Beshear announced that 2023 marked a new record year for Kentucky tourism, with $13.8 billion generated in economic impact and 95,222 jobs created, as tourism remains a key piece of the commonwealth’s booming economy.

“Our economy and our tourism industry are booming,” Gov. Beshear said. “More and more people want to visit Kentucky for our world-class destinations and events – creating more experiences for their families while generating jobs for Kentuckians.”

The Governor was joined by Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier, Tourism Commissioner Mike Mangeot, Kentucky Travel Industry Association President and CEO Hank Phillips, Castle & Key Distillery Head Blender Brett Connors and Executive Director of Visit Ashland Brandy Clark for the announcement. For more, see the full release.

Update on Response to Severe Storms
The Governor provided an update on the state’s ongoing response to severe weather that swept through the commonwealth May 26. Sadly, the Governor reported there have been five confirmed fatalities related to the storms. The deaths occurred in the city of Louisville as well as Caldwell, Hardin, Hopkins and Mercer counties.

“We all need to wrap our arms around the families of the five Kentuckians lost in the storms,” said Gov. Beshear. “Like after every severe weather event, Team Kentucky will be there for those affected, as long as it takes – supporting our people and building back stronger.”

On Monday, the Governor visited Hopkins and Muhlenberg counties to view storm damage and speak with local officials and family members.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed three tornadoes: an EF-1 tornado in Meade County, an EF-1 tornado that crossed through Butler and Warren counties and an EF-3 tornado whose path crossed over 35 miles through Lyon, Caldwell and Hopkins counties. Straight-line wind damage was confirmed in Grayson, Mercer, Garrard, Logan and Simpson counties. Surveys continue today in Barren, Metcalfe, Monroe, Cumberland and Clinton counties where at least one additional EF1 tornado has been identified with wind speeds peaking at 105 mph in Cumberland County.

There are currently 9,903 power outages, down from over 215,144. Twenty-six counties and 12 cities have declared a state of emergency. Currently, Pennyrile State Park is sheltering 11 households and the state has provided five travel trailer units to Clay County for families who were displaced.

The Civil Air Patrol is piloting aerial surveys to capture images of the damage in the affected areas. Those who have experienced storm damage should take photographs before cleaning up and report the damages to local county emergency management officials.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named Kentucky’s tourism industry partners, who helped the commonwealth achieve the best year for tourism in Kentucky’s history, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

“It is thanks to you all that we’re celebrating this amazing milestone, the best year for tourism in Kentucky’s history, for the second year in a row,” said Gov. Beshear. “From our strong bourbon distilleries to our small business owners who are investing in Kentucky, our hotel clerks, state parks staff, staff at our attractions and restaurants and so many more – you are the people welcoming these travelers into our state and helping them create unforgettable memories that keep them coming back to the commonwealth.”