Beshear highlights jobs, public safety and health initiatives in Team Kentucky update
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted economic development projects, public safety initiatives, infrastructure investments and health care updates during a Team Kentucky update Thursday.
Among the announcements, Beshear said U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. plans to build a new facility in Hopkinsville that is expected to create more than 200 jobs. He also highlighted a $10.3 million expansion by Abastos Wholesale in Louisville that will create 20 jobs and announced $750,000 in state funding to support future development projects in Floyd County.
The governor also signed the state’s annual Counterdrug Program interdiction plan alongside members of the Kentucky National Guard and Kentucky State Police. During federal fiscal year 2025, the program helped seize more than 202 pounds of fentanyl, more than 3.6 million fentanyl pills, 4,136 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,750 pounds of cocaine and nearly 44 pounds of heroin.
Beshear announced progress on Kentucky’s transition to Next Generation 911 technology, which will allow emergency call centers to receive voice calls, text messages, photos and video. The technology has already been implemented at 19 call centers, with statewide completion expected by the end of 2027.
The governor also announced more than $14 million in funding for water and housing infrastructure projects, including upgrades to Cynthiana’s water treatment system and housing projects in Oldham and Warren counties.
Additional updates included grant funding for student mental health services in eight school districts, expanded qualifying conditions under Kentucky’s medical cannabis program and federal disaster assistance approved for communities affected by January’s winter storm.
During the briefing, Beshear and Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack also discussed the impact of state and federal funding reductions on health and social service programs.
