FRANKFORT, KY (Dec. 14, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development and job opportunities for Kentuckians; his record-breaking first term; Kentucky State Police drug seizures; funding to provide second-chance opportunities; a grant for electric vehicle charging stations; the Frankfort Christmas Parade and state Christmas tree lighting; and inauguration poster contest winners. He also named everyone involved in making the 62nd Inauguration possible as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Economic Development
Gov. Beshear said the past four years have been the best in Kentucky’s history for new private-sector investments, with $28.5 billion announced since December 2019. More than 940 private-sector new-location and expansion projects have been announced, creating more than 500,000 full-time jobs for Kentuckians.
The Governor also announced hiring events from two major economic development projects in the commonwealth. BlueOval SK, the partnership between Ford Motor Co. and SK On that is building the two biggest electric vehicle battery plants on planet Earth in Glendale, is planning to hire approximately 2,000 employees beginning next year. As part of that effort, the companies will host career fairs to educate people about available career opportunities. Four hundred positions have already been filled. To learn more, visit blueovalsk.com.
Stellar Snacks, a woman-owned maker of pretzel snacks, will host a job fair Dec. 16 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. EST at the Dr. J. Blaine Hudson Middle School in Louisville. To learn more, visit stellarsnacks.com/Louisville. In October, Gov. Beshear joined company leaders and local officials to announce the $137 million investment creating 350 full-time jobs over the next 10 years in West Louisville, the single largest economic development project the state has on record for the community over the past 20 years.
Record-Breaking First Term
Gov. Beshear reflected on his record-breaking first term that led to many firsts for Kentucky and pledged to continue to set politics aside, lead by example and keep working hard to move the state forward. To read more, see the full release.
KSP November Drug Seizures
The Governor announced that the total value of Kentucky State Police’s drug seizures in November amounted to over $1.6 million, making last month the highest total value seized this year. In 2023, KSP made 3,121 drug-related arrests, with a total value of drugs seized amounting to over $8 million.
“Thank you to the Kentucky State Police for your impressive work in battling illegal drugs. Because of you, dangerous drugs are off the streets and the commonwealth has been made safer,” said Gov. Beshear. “This work is never-ending, and we will continue fighting this drug crisis with everything that we can because, as I’ve said time and time again, one Kentuckian lost to drug overdose is one too many.”
State Corrections Commission Grant Funding
Gov. Beshear announced that starting Jan. 1, 2024, projects and programs in the commonwealth that provide second-chance opportunities to the justice-involved population can apply for more than $640,000 in grant finding. The funding will support individuals who have committed lesser offenses to participate in home incarcerations, work release, treatment and employee training. Applications can be found on the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet’s website at justice.ky.gov.
“My faith teaches me the importance of forgiveness, that every person is a child of God and everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want to encourage eligible government agencies, private nonprofits and charitable organizations across the commonwealth to apply for this funding so that we can continue with our momentum in creating second chances.”
EV Charging Stations
Today, the Governor announced that in Spring 2024, the federal government is expected to start accepting grant applications from local governments and other eligible entities for $2.5 billion through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program to build and maintain EV charging stations. Grants will prioritize projects in rural areas and low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. For more information, visit evcharging.ky.gov. To view a map of priority corridors in Kentucky, click here.
Frankfort Christmas Parade and State Christmas Tree Lighting
Gov. Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear invited Kentuckians to view the Frankfort Christmas Parade and to join them on the South Lawn of the Capitol for the lighting of the state’s Christmas tree on Saturday, Dec. 16. For more information, see the full release.
Forward, Together Poster Contest Winners
Earlier this week the Governor and First Lady announced the five winners of the children’s inauguration poster contest that celebrated the 62nd gubernatorial inauguration theme: Forward, Together. Today, the Governor thanked those who participated and recapped meeting the winners and their families during the inauguration on Tuesday. To see a list of winners, click here.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Gov. Beshear named everyone involved in making the 62nd Inauguration possible as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. Gov. Beshear thanked:
- The Kentucky National Guard;
- The Kentucky State Police;
- The city of Frankfort;
- Frankfort Police, Fire and EMS;
- Kentucky Emergency Management;
- Local emergency management;
- Frankfort Tourism;
- Kentucky State Parks;
- Facilities and Support Services; and
- All the volunteers.
“None of Tuesday’s events would have been possible without our incredible workers and volunteers,” said Gov. Beshear. “Hundreds of our people worked tirelessly to make sure that every moment of celebration was extra special, and all of Team Kentucky is grateful.”
