Editor’s notes: To view the Governor’s Team Kentucky Update, click here.

FRANKFORT, KY - On May 23, 2024, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development; Juneteenth as an Executive Branch holiday; a federal disaster declaration following April tornadoes; funding to improve cleaner water infrastructure; Kentucky’s Counterdrug Program; funding for electric vehicle charging stations; progress on orphan well capping; and progress on school safety projects. The Governor also recognized Public Works Week. He named public works employees as well as the leaders who have worked to establish Juneteenth as a state Executive Branch holiday and add CROWN Act protections as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
The Governor announced that State Budget Director John Hicks reported April’s General Fund receipts hit nearly $1.8 billion, the second-highest month of General Fund collections in Kentucky history. This is the 20th consecutive month in which collections have exceeded $1 billion.

The Governor announced continued momentum within the state’s surging manufacturing sector as SRC of Lexington will be expanding its operation with a new facility in Fayette County, investing $15.3 million and creating 60 quality, Kentucky jobs.

The Governor also congratulated Flottweg Separation Technology Inc., a producer of centrifuges and other liquid-solid separation equipment, as the company celebrated the grand opening of its newly expanded warehouse facility in Boone County, a $1.75 million investment creating 12 high-wage Kentucky jobs.

Gov. Beshear highlighted Rip Technologies, a manufacturer specializing in the printing and production of art pieces and picture frames, on its new $4.3 million Mt. Sterling facility creating 46 full-time positions.

The Governor highlighted Kentucky’s continued investment in workforce training initiatives as he announced over $1.6 million in state support has been approved through the Bluegrass State Skills Corp. (BSSC) to assist with the training and development of nearly 5,000 Kentucky workers.

Juneteenth as a State Executive Branch Holiday
The Governor declared Juneteenth – a day that commemorates African Americans’ many contributions and long struggle for freedom, justice and equality – as an Executive Branch holiday in the commonwealth. The Governor signed an executive order stating that, beginning this year, each June 19 shall be observed in Kentucky as Juneteenth National Day of Freedom.

The Governor also signed an executive order that expands protections in state hiring and employment to include certain hairstyles. Among the provisions of the order, it prohibits discrimination based on “traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to natural hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locs and twists.”

For more, see the full release.

Federal Disaster Declaration Approved Following April Tornadoes
The Governor announced that the state has received approval on a federal disaster declaration following the 19 tornadoes that swept across the commonwealth on April 2 and 3. The Governor declared a state of emergency and requested a federal disaster declaration in April. Wednesday’s approval by President Joe Biden makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Boyd, Carter, Fayette, Greenup, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Mason, Oldham, Union and Whitley.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 

Cleaner Water Infrastructure Funding
Gov. Beshear announced $13.2 million to improve public water and sewer infrastructure statewide. The funding will go to 10 projects across Kentucky. The funding comes from Kentucky’s Community Development Block Grant – Public Facilities program. The Public Facilities program provides funding to primarily develop Kentucky’s water and wastewater systems. 

Counterdrug Program
Gov. Beshear approved the continued work of Kentucky’s Counterdrug Program, which has helped save Kentuckians’ lives by supporting the seizure of 265,170 fentanyl pills and 208.3 pounds of fentanyl during the 2023 federal fiscal year. The team increased the number of fentanyl pills seized by more than 5,000% and seized more than 100 pounds of fentanyl compared with the 2022 fiscal year.

Awards to Build Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Solidifying Kentucky’s position as a leader in the fast-growing electric vehicle sector, Gov. Beshear announced the state has completed its third round of awards to private developers to build an additional 18 federally funded electric vehicle charging stations. Combined with the first two rounds of awards announced late last year, Kentucky has now approved 42 charging stations from 11 developers for a total of $27.2 million in National Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure program funds.

Orphan Well Capping
The Governor announced that Kentucky has received a second $25 million grant from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to cap orphan wells in 2024. The commonwealth previously received a $25 million grant from the BIL in 2022. These funds were used to plug 635 legacy wells and restore nearly 49 acres for farming and other uses. This made significant improvements to the commonwealth’s environment, creating about 90 jobs plugging abandoned oil and gas wells in 27 counties.

“We’re making it a priority to protect our environment while also creating some really good jobs for our people,” said Gov. Beshear. “We have reclaimed nearly 49 acres of land through this effort so far, and we plan to restore a lot more in the future. And this grant will go a long way toward getting that done.”

Progress on School Safety Projects
The Governor announced that construction is set to begin next week on two projects aimed at improving road safety near Kentucky schools. In Hopkins County, a more than $2 million project near the James Madison Middle School Campus will widen Kentucky Highway 254 (Brown Road) to three lanes. Additional turn lanes and a new on-campus access road will also be constructed. In Crittenden County, a nearly $1.9 million project will widen U.S. Highway 60 and add turn lanes to increase traffic capacity and access for the Crittenden middle and high school complex as well as the county hospital. These projects represent the latest of more than 60 projects totaling $24.5 million dollars to improve highway safety near schools to protect Kentucky families.

Public Works Week
The Governor recognized Public Works Week and thanked this group for all their hard work to improve Kentucky.

“In Kentucky, we are expanding access to high-speed internet and cleaner water and improving our major roadways for generations to come. None of that would be possible without the folks in our public works,” said Gov. Beshear. “Because we have folks like you working on these projects, I know we will get it done. So, thank you - Team Kentucky cannot do it without you.”

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named public works employees as well as leaders who have worked to establish Juneteenth as a state holiday and advocates who have worked to add CROWN Act protections as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

“Today is a really special day, because a lot of folks have been working toward this for a long time,” said Gov. Beshear. “As Governor, I want to personally thank you for your advocacy on behalf of our people. Your voices have truly made a difference. It is because of y’all that we are working toward that better, more inclusive and loving commonwealth that we all want for our kids.”