FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear gives an update on the progress of Team Kentucky projects.
He provided an update Thursday on economic development; grants to fight the drug epidemic; highway safety and National Child Passenger Safety Week.
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Economic Development
Gov. BeshearÌýÌýcontinued growth in the state’s metals sector as Kentucky Aluminum Processors celebrated the ground-breaking of its previously announced $40 million aluminum processing facility in Russellville.
The facility is expected to create 75 quality Kentucky jobs.
The Governor also highlighted September as National Bourbon Heritage Month.
Since the start of the Beshear-Coleman administration, the commonwealth has seen more than 100 projects involving bourbon and other spirits.
Those projects have generated more than $4.3 billion in new investments and nearly 1,800 new full-time jobs.
Wally Dant, president and distiller at Log Still Distilling, said, “We have about 55,000 visitors per year to our distillery and we expect that to double over the course of this next year."
Dant credited the governor saying, "He works to collaborate with private businesses to allow us to flourish in a great environment.�
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Justice Assistance Grants
Gov. BeshearÌýÌýthat his administration is awarding $1.7 million in grant funding to 12 local and state agencies to fight drug trafficking and create safer communities.
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants will allow Kentucky’s law enforcement, drug task forces and nonprofit organizations to purchase critical resources, provide drug prevention programming to community residents, offer counseling to crime victims, ensure officers receive specialized training and work with individuals leaving incarceration for successful reentry skills.Ìý
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Highway Safety
The Governor shared positive trends the commonwealth is seeing related to highway safety.
So far, in 2024, Kentucky has seen a 15% decrease in fatal automobile crashes.
Over the last two years, seat belt use has increased 3.4%, according to the Kentucky Transportation Center at the University of Kentucky.
“While I wish we didn’t lose anyone on our roads, these numbers are encouraging because they’re not just numbers. We’re talking about fewer people mourning lost loved ones, and fewer people recovering from or living with serious injuries sustained on Kentucky roadways,â€� said Gov. Beshear.Ìý
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National Child Passenger Safety Week
The GovernorÌýÌýKentucky parents and caregivers about National Child Passenger Safety Week, which is recognized Sept. 15-21.
This annual awareness campaign aims to make Kentucky highways safer by safeguarding some of the most vulnerable passengers.
The National Highway Traffic Administration reports that 46% of car seats are misused across the United States.
“Our children are our most precious cargo, and as a dad, I know parents and caregivers want to do all they can to keep their kids safe,� said Gov. Beshear. “Simple practices like checking to make sure your kids are in the right seats and are buckled up every trip is a small step that can make a big difference.�
To find out more about checkup events, where professionals can check your child’s seat to make sure it’s installed correctly, and car seat resources, visitÌýÌýand click the Safety Programs tab.
