Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 29, 2024) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development; a new tourism development project; Overdose Awareness Day; Kentucky State Police (KSP) drug seizures; new grants through the Victims of Crime Act; and work by the Kentucky Division of Forestry to help other states battle wildfires. The Governor also named Dolly Parton and everyone involved with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted continued momentum of the state's manufacturing sector as Victory Hemp Foods plans to expand production in Carroll County with a $2.5 million investment, creating 22 quality Kentucky jobs. Chad Rosen, the company's CEO, joined the Team Kentucky Update to celebrate the announcement.

The Governor announced Mubea - a global automotive supplier of lightweight products for chassis, car bodies and powertrains - plans to expand its Boone County operations with a $24.3 million investment creating 102 well-paying jobs.

Gov. Beshear announced further investment in Kentucky's site and building development efforts as Ohio County was approved for $222,500 in state funding through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative.

The Governor recapped the largest new jobs project of 2024, as Philip Morris International Inc. announced its Swedish Match affiliate will expand its presence in Daviess County creating 450 direct jobs with a $232 million investment. This announcement is also the 5th largest investment project supported by the state this year.

Wednesday, Gov. Beshear joined local officials and leadership from O-I Glass Inc. and multiple distilleries in Louisville to celebrate the launch of Kentucky's first dedicated glass recycling program. The $350,000 glass processing initiative will create up to 10 new jobs and is a collaborative partnership between O-I Glass, Workwell Industries and multiple Kentucky distillers, including Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo North America and Pernod Ricard.

The Governor congratulated local officials and representatives from American Welding & Gas, a manufacturer and distributor of industrial, medical, specialty and beverage gases, for cutting the ribbon on the company's new $9.6 million, state-of-the-art fill plant in Georgetown, which is creating 10 full-time jobs in the region.

Distillery, Tourism Development Project Coming to Woodford County
Gov. Beshear highlighted continued momentum in Kentucky's booming bourbon and tourism industries by welcoming Saga Spirits Group to Woodford County. The company plans to develop a new $92.5 million whiskey-related project at Edgewood, a 150-acre site in Versailles.

The project includes the creation of a distillery, an interactive visitor center, a tasting room, unique lodging, a restaurant, and retail and event space. Saga Spirits Group will also be making improvements to The Kentucky Castle, an iconic hotel and venue located four miles away in Versailles. Once operational, this project is expected to create 89 jobs. Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott and Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay joined the Team Kentucky Update to talk about what the announcement means for their community.

Overdose Awareness Day
The Governor proclaimed Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in the commonwealth. The Governor also highlighted that flags at all state office buildings will be lowered to half-staff in observance of Overdose Awareness Day, and the Governor's Mansion will be lit purple, the color designated to show support for overdose awareness.

"As we recognize Overdose Awareness Day here in the commonwealth, we remember all those we have lost - each one a beloved child of God who is missed by their families, friends and communities," said Gov. Beshear. "We must work together in their honor - to ensure every Kentuckian has access to recovery resources. We can continue to see a decline in overdose deaths if we make sure every one of our neighbors feels loved and knows they are not alone."

Linda Squire, a mother from Louisville who lost her son to an overdose, joined the Team Kentucky Update to recognize Overdose Awareness Day.

"On behalf of the grieving families in Kentucky who have lost precious loved ones to overdose and substance use disorder, I'd like to thank Gov. Beshear for your continued support. We lost our beloved son and brother, Jonathan, to an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2015 at the age of 25. He was bright, talented, compassionate and full of life," Squire said. "Governor, you have been our advocate and ally for many years. Kentucky is leading the way in overdose awareness and prevention. We are doing our part to stop the stigma, increase opportunities for treatment and recovery and give hope to those that are still struggling."

Kentucky State Police July Drug Seizures
The Governor provided an update on ongoing efforts by law enforcement to fight the drug epidemic. The total value of KSP's drug seizures in July amounted to over $9.6 million, which is the largest amount seized in one month in recent history. This included a total of $5.2 million in meth and $3 million in cocaine being removed from the commonwealth's streets. KSP also made 318 drug-related arrests.

Victims of Crime Act Grants
Gov. Beshear announced that this year's federal Victims of Crime Act grant funding includes $14.9 million to assist victims of violent crime in the commonwealth. This year's funding was awarded to 102 organizations across Kentucky that provide critical services, obtain justice and keep Kentuckians safe. To learn more, see the full release.

Division of Forestry Out-of-State Wildland Fire Deployment
Gov. Beshear provided an update on how the commonwealth is helping other states battle wildfires. In 2024 alone, the Kentucky Division of Forestry has sent more than 48 team members and heavy equipment to eight states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Washington. These deployments came at no cost, as Kentucky is reimbursed for all associated costs.

The commonwealth has also benefitted from the help of out-of-state fire personnel, including last November, when the commonwealth brought in over 143 personnel from other states to assist with the fires that occurred here during that time.

"This agreement is a win-win. When other states need help, we step up - and they are there for us in return. These voluntary and temporary assignments also give our fire personnel the opportunity to get practical training and sharpen their skills to be better equipped to handle our own fire seasons here in Kentucky," said Gov. Beshear. "I want to thank our firefighters who help others across the country. You are truly showing our Team Kentucky spirit."

Team Kentucky All-Stars
On Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear welcomed Dolly Parton to the commonwealth to celebrate statewide expansion of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Kentucky. Now, all children in the commonwealth can receive one free age appropriate book per month, from birth to age 5, ensuring they can build their own at-home library before starting kindergarten.

On Tuesday, the Governor proclaimed August as Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Kentucky Month in the commonwealth and commissioned Dolly a Kentucky Colonel. Today, the Governor named Dolly Parton, along with all Imagination Library staff and volunteers, as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

"We were so honored to have the one and only Dolly Parton with us to celebrate the life-changing impact that books can have on a child's future," said Gov. Beshear. "Already, more than 6 million books have been delivered to Kentucky children through the Imagination Library, and now every child in every county has access. Thank you to Dolly and everyone involved with the Imagination Library. You are this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars!"

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