HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – Governor Andy Beshear congratulated four counties during his weekly Team Kentucky update on Wednesday after they were recognized in Site Selection magazine’s top 20 “Best Counties by Projects per Capita” list. This includes Union County, which was ranked in 7th place on the list, with three projects totaling $27.1 million in investment and creating four jobs.
“This is more great news that shows we’re bringing growth and prosperity to every corner of the commonwealth,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “Folks from all over are taking note of what’s happening here. Even some of our biggest critics – credit rating agencies – are saying great things.”
The governor also discussed economic development throughout the commonwealth, grants for high-speed internet and named this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star. Here are the highlights from this week’s Team Kentucky update.
Economic development
Governor Beshear announced growth in the state’s distribution and logistics industry as DHL Express will expand its current operations at CVG Airport in Boone County with a $192 million total investment creating 86 jobs in Kentucky. Beshear also highlighted an announcement of a new build-ready site in Marshall County, which will include a 120,000-square-foot building pad on over 240 developable acres.
Governor Beshear also joined officials and leaders at Heaven Hill Distillery in Nelson County to celebrate the filling of the company’s 10 millionth barrel.
High-speed internet grants
Governor Beshear announced Gibson Connect has linked approximately 650 households and businesses in western Kentucky to high-speed internet according to the cooperative. The governor says these are among the first Kentuckians to be connected to high-speed internet via grant funds from the Better Internet Program.
This comes after the governor secured a nearly $1.1 billion federal grant in June, the largest public investment in high-speed internet in the state’s history.
State’s response to natural disasters
According to the governor’s office, 74 families impacted by the floods in eastern Kentucky are housed in travel trailers, and 308 households have transitioned out of the Commonwealth Sheltering Program. Beshear also said, as of this week, FEMA approved $1.2 million to help Floyd County homeowners move to higher ground.
FEMA also approved $5.6 million for debris removal in Mayfield after the 2021 tornadoes in western Kentucky.
The governor warned Kentuckians that there is potential for showers and thunderstorms starting Thursday afternoon and continuing through the end of the week and there is a risk of potential flash flooding in western Kentucky.
Mayfield home dedication
Governor Beshear announced he will be joining the Hope Initiative in Mayfield on Friday to hand over the keys to five new homes for families that were affected by the western Kentucky tornadoes in December 2021. The governor said over $5 million for the project came from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund.
“For long-term recovery efforts in Mayfield, one of the biggest needs has been finding new housing for renters whose homes were lost or destroyed by the tornado. Friday’s dedication ceremony represents one more step forward toward that goal,” said Beshear. “As I’ve said from that very first morning I visited, we will be with Mayfield until every home and every life is rebuilt.”
Team Kentucky All-Star
Beshear recongized Louisville Metro Police Department Officer Nickolas Wilt as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star. Officer Wilt was injured while responding to a shooting at Old National Bank in Louisville in April. The governor met with Officer Wilt and his family before they left University of Louisville Health to go home last week.
“While we sadly lost five individuals, each one a child of God, we know that thanks to heroic first responders like Officer Wilt, lives were saved. Officer Wilt ran toward danger to protect his fellow Kentuckians, and I am forever grateful,” said Gov. Beshear. “I was so honored to shake his hand and meet his loving family, who have also shown unimaginable strength and courage during this difficult time. Officer Nick Wilt is a true hero – and we are proud to honor him this week as our Team Kentucky All-Star.”
