Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2024) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear provided an update on economic development, medical cannabis, funding from the Delta Regional Authority, Veterans Day, funding awards to support communities recovering from flooding, kynect open enrollment, submissions for the Team Kentucky Gallery, funding for local bridge repair and replacement, and the new Norton West Louisville Hospital. The Governor named poll workers who volunteered during the election as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted continued investment in the commonwealth's mission of developing, maintaining and retaining its world-class workforce as over 8,775 Kentuckians will receive skills training thanks to support provided through the Bluegrass State Skills Corp., which oversees programs attached to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development that help private-sector businesses establish industry-specific training initiatives.

The Governor also highlighted a recent announcement that could mean additional energy-related investment and job creation in Kentucky, as the U.S. Department of Energy announced $428 million dollars in funding for 14 projects to support domestic clean energy manufacturing in coal communities throughout the country.

One of the projects is from Anthro Energy, a San Jose, California-based business that is considering a new location in Louisville. The project was selected for a nearly $25 million grant to establish the first large-scale, U.S.-owned and operated advanced electrolyte production facility. The project could bring around 115 high-quality jobs to the commonwealth.

Medical Cannabis
The Governor provided an update on medical cannabis in the commonwealth following this week's election. Part of the new system for medical cannabis allowed local governments to make decisions about whether to let medical cannabis businesses operate within their jurisdictions or let voters decide. Twenty-one county governments made the decision to opt out - meaning not to allow medical cannabis businesses - while 39 made the decision to directly authorize these businesses. Fifty-three county governments opted to let voters decide. For cities, 53 opted out or were opted out by action of their counties and 184 decided to stay in.

The Governor announced that all 106 cities and counties that had medical cannabis on the ballot voted to allow medical cannabis businesses to operate in their communities.

"This signals what we have known for a long time, which is that the jury is no longer out on medical cannabis," said Gov. Beshear. "Kentuckians want their families, friends and neighbors who have serious medical conditions - like cancer, multiple sclerosis or PTSD - to have safe and affordable access. We are keeping our promise to make sure they will."

Delta Regional Authority Funding
Gov. Beshear recapped his October announcement that the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is investing $1,969,000 in six projects in Western Kentucky. The funding comes from the DRA's States' Economic Development Assistance Program.

The Governor highlighted two of the projects:

• $509,000 for the Murray-Calloway Industrial Authority to building a training center to support people in areas impacted by the tornadoes, helping them land jobs in skilled trades.
• $150,000 to the Henderson County Riverport to replace aging equipment.

Veterans Day
As Veterans Day approaches, Gov. Beshear gave an update on the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA), which currently serves 40,000 veterans, distributing $48 million in benefits each month. The department also has a total of 77,000 veterans receiving $1.4 billion in compensation and pensions each year. In fiscal year 2025 alone, the department has issued 421 tuition waivers to spouses and dependents totaling over $13 million dollars in college education scholarships.

The Governor also provided an update on the new Robert E. Spiller Veterans Center in Warren County. The new center is nearly complete and is set to open in January 2025. KDVA is expecting to start admitting veterans to the facility in March or April.

"As we approach Veterans Day, it is so important that we take this time to honor our veterans," said Gov. Beshear. "But we must also commit to the hard work of being worthy of their sacrifices all year long. Our veterans are the best of us. Time after time, they have answered the call to protect this country. Our work is not done; we will continue to fight for opportunities, prosperity and success for our veterans."

Flood Recovery Funding
The Governor announced a new award from the East Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies fund. The Perry County School District will receive $5,609,571 to help cover additional expenses caused by the 2022 floods, as the district works to rebuild Buckhorn School and Robinson Elementary.

Health Coverage Open Enrollment
First Lady Britainy Beshear reminded Kentuckians seeking quality, affordable health coverage through the state-based marketplace, kynect, that enrollment is now open. The deadline to enroll is Jan. 15. If you need assistance, or if you are ready to enroll, please go to kynect.ky.gov or call 855-459-6328.

Team Kentucky Gallery Submissions
The First Lady encouraged Kentucky artists to submit their pieces for inclusion in the spring 2025 exhibition of the Team Kentucky Gallery. The exhibit is located in a main hall of the state Capitol in Frankfort. Submissions are due by Friday, Dec. 13. For more information and how to apply, see the full release.

"In each Team Kentucky Gallery exhibition, we see amazing new perspectives on what brings Kentuckians together, from the natural beauty of our state to our shared values and our resilience," the First Lady said. "We can't wait to see the next set of artworks and photographs that will make us even more proud to call Kentucky home."

County-City Bridge Improvement Program
Gov. Beshear gave an update on the new County-City Bridge Improvement Program, which he recommended establishing, and the 2024 General Assembly supported. This program will dedicate $25 million each year, in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, to address bridges that are closed or have posted traffic limitations.

The Governor encouraged cities and counties across the commonwealth to apply. The Phase 1 funding deadline for fiscal year 2025 is Dec. 13. Applications for Phase 2 funding will begin Dec. 16 and conclude at the end of February. And a third round will take place March through May. For more information, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Department of Rural and Municipal Aid website, or contact your local highway district.

Norton West Louisville Hospital
The Governor said that on Nov. 11, Norton West Louisville Hospital will open its doors to the public - the first new hospital in West Louisville in more than 150 years. This new facility will employ more than 350 people and provide regional health care access to Kentuckians. On Nov. 8, the Governor will join hospital leaders for a ribbon cutting. See a video highlighting the excitement surrounding the project and the Kentuckians who are making it happen.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named poll workers who volunteered during the election as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

"Let's all give a big thank you to our poll workers throughout the commonwealth," said Gov. Beshear. "These folks are heroes of democracy, volunteering their time to help provide a free and fair election for us all."

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