Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursements for flooding events, medical debt relief, Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grants, cleaner water efforts, Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman recognized Workforce Development Month, Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, and a photo challenge for the 100th anniversaries of Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Ale-8-One. The Governor named Major League Baseball star and Louisville native Will Smith as this week's Team Kentucky All-Star.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted major growth within Kentucky's automotive industry as Ford Motor Co. announced plans to build a new $1 billion state-of-the-art paint shop at the Kentucky Truck Plant, replacing the facility's existing paint shop and further modernizing Ford's largest U.S. manufacturing plant. The company plans to break ground on the project by the end of 2026.

Gov. Beshear highlighted further momentum within the state's manufacturing industry as Toyotetsu Mid America, an automotive parts supplier, announced plans to expand its Owensboro operations. The company's $41 million expansion will retain nearly 640 full-time Kentucky jobs.

Yesterday, the Governor joined local officials and leaders from Medvantx, a leading pharmacy services company, to cut the ribbon on the company's newly expanded, high-capacity distribution facility in Louisville. With a nearly $27 million investment, Medvantx is creating 122 new Kentucky jobs helping to distribute prescriptions across Kentucky and the rest of the United States and its territories.

FEMA Reimbursements Secured for Multiple Flooding Events
Gov. Beshear announced that his administration has secured more than $10.4 million in FEMA disaster funds to reimburse the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, Kentucky State Parks, Fort Boonesborough, and Breathitt, Carroll, and Owsley counties for expenses incurred during flooding events in 2022 and 2025.

Medical Debt Relief for Kentuckians
This week, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order establishing the Team Kentucky Medical Debt Relief Program, which will provide relief to more than 130,000 Kentuckians from $250 million in medical debt. For more, see the full release.

Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Grants
Gov. Beshear announced $6.6 million in AMLER program funds to support healthcare, education and workforce development for three Western Kentucky counties. The program was started to support Eastern Kentucky and was recently expanded to support coal communities in Western Kentucky.

Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, Team Kentucky has received over $177 million in AMLER funds. Today, the Governor announced the following awards:

• Baptist Health Deaconess in Hopkins County will receive $2.8 million to purchase a new CT scanner for their emergency department and upgrade security systems at the hospital.
• Madisonville Community College will receive $1.8 million to support workforce training programs like the Lisman Workforce Complex, helping to train up to 120 students per year.
• Muhlenberg County Fiscal Court will receive $2 million to buy and install manufacturing and welding equipment to help train 60 students each year at a new regional training facility.

Cleaner Drinking Water
Gov. Beshear announced that approximately 98% of Kentucky families have access to safe drinking water from public or community water systems, well above the national average of 90%. Since 2021, Kentucky has allocated more than $25 million in Environmental Protection Agency grant funds to keep drinking water clear of contaminants like lead, pesticides and a group of chemicals known as PFAS. Gov. Beshear shared a Good News update on these projects.

During his administration, Gov. Beshear has also announced $500 million through the Cleaner Water Program to improve water and sewer systems for thousands of households across the commonwealth.

"I believe clean, safe drinking water is a basic human right," said Gov. Beshear. "We're proud of the progress we've made, and we will continue to fight for and protect the best possible drinking water for Kentucky families."

Workforce Development Month and Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
Lt. Gov. Coleman recognized Workforce Development Month by promoting free career services, educational opportunities and resources available to help Kentuckians build a better future, including Kentucky Career Centers, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Office of Industry and Apprenticeship Services.

The Lieutenant Governor also celebrated National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and highlighted the Office of Adult Education. Over the past two years, the office has served more than 24,000 adult learners and provided free GED testing in Kentucky, which more than 29,000 Kentuckians have taken advantage of.

"As an education-first administration, and the highest-elected teacher in office, I believe that access to education is the key to a brighter future for all Kentuckians," said Lt. Gov. Coleman. "Every journey to a brighter future looks different, which is why the Governor and I have looked at education through a holistic approach, increasing registered apprenticeships, removing the GED testing fee, and investing in workforce development. Whatever your path, Team Kentucky is here to help."

Natural Bridge 100 Year Photo Challenge with Ale-8-One
Lt. Gov. Coleman announced that Team Kentucky is inviting visitors to celebrate the 100th anniversaries of two New Kentucky Home icons - Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Ale-8-One - by participating in the Natural Bridge 100-Year Adventure Photo Challenge. Learn more.

The Lieutenant Governor shared a Good News Update on this challenge.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week
The Governor recognized National HBCU Week, highlighting Kentucky's two HBCUs: Simmons College of Kentucky and Kentucky State University (KSU).

"As Governor, I value these institutions. Education is the key to a brighter future and our HBCUs help so many students unlock that future," said Gov. Beshear. "In Kentucky we've implemented new signs and historic markers to recognize and celebrate Simmons and KSU. We've supported tuition grants for students attending, and we've worked with both of these schools to create programs to support health, teacher preparation and second chances. I believe that diversity is a strength - and never a liability. I will never stop standing up for our HBCUs, because Americans deserve leaders who build a country that works for everyone - not just a select few."

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Gov. Beshear recognized September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The Beshear administration has secured more than $45 million for pediatric cancer research and family support, making Kentucky a national leader in this fight.

"We come together during this time to recognize the families and healthcare heroes battling this disease, and to remember the kids we've lost far too soon," said Gov. Beshear. "On Team Kentucky, we're stepping up to help end childhood cancer forever, and we're making sure it doesn't bankrupt families during the scariest moment of their lives - from funding 62 different research projects getting us closer to a cure to funding nonprofits providing social, financial and emotional support to children living with cancer. To the families battling this disease - we love you, and we will always support you."

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named Major League Baseball star and Louisville native Will Smith as this week's Team Kentucky All-Star. This week, the Governor joined local leaders, Will's former coaches and his family to celebrate Will receiving a Hometown Heroes banner from the Greater Louisville Pride Foundation. Smith and his wife also run the Catching Hope foundation, which supports children in need.

"As Governor - and as a father - I want my kids to chase their dreams. But, more important: I want them to be kind, honest and selfless," said Gov. Beshear. "Will is setting that example - on and off the field - for my kids and so many others across Kentucky right now. And because of that, we are making him this week's Team Kentucky All-Star."

###