Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 11, 2025) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development; recognized the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; announced RISING, a new Team Kentucky documentary; and spoke about housing in Western and Eastern Kentucky, National HBCU Week and Hunger Action Month. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman also joined the updated to celebrate Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in Kentucky.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted plans by OgMentum ARK, a newly formed technology enterprise, to locate its headquarters and research and development operations in Bowling Green. The $475,000 project is expected to generate at least 24 high-wage jobs within the first three years, including scientists, engineers, technicians and administrators.

The Governor also celebrated HealthTrackRX's ribbon-cutting on its new operation in Louisville, which Lt. Gov. Coleman attended earlier this week. The premier infectious disease laboratory marks a $45.5 million investment, set to create 230 full-time jobs.

National HBCU Week
The Governor was joined by Dr. Kevin Cosby, president of Simmons College of Kentucky, and Dr. Koffi Akakpo, president of Kentucky State University, as he recognized National HBCU Week.

"Here in Kentucky, we value our HBCUs," Gov. Beshear said. "We know education is the key to a brighter future, and Simmons College of Kentucky and Kentucky State University transform lives."

Western Kentucky Housing
Gov. Beshear today provided an update on his 2024 announcement of nearly 1,000 rental units being built in Western Kentucky with news that SOCAYR, the developer, closed on properties in Mayfield, Dawson Springs and Bowling Green. These sites will house 294 of the nearly 1,000 rental units announced, with construction expected to begin in the coming months.

Eastern Kentucky High-Ground Sites
Rebuilding progress in Eastern Kentucky continues as today the Governor announced $6 million to build 30 new homes for flood survivors at the Chestnut Ridge high-ground community in Knott County. The funding will support Frontier Housing, HOMES Inc. and the Housing Development Alliance, with each developer building 10 homes. The Chestnut Ridge site is expected to have 200 homes in total on completion.

RISING Documentary
Today, Gov. Beshear announced RISING, a documentary from Team Kentucky that tells the story of the strength and resilience of Eastern Kentuckians as they undertake the most ambitious rebuilding effort in the nation following the historic 2022 floods. The documentary will premiere on Sept. 18 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, with a roundtable discussion to follow the screening.

Tickets for the screening event are limited, and guests are encouraged to RSVP here.

Hunger Action Month
The Governor also highlighted that September is Hunger Action Month in the commonwealth.

"At least 710,000 Kentuckians are facing hunger. That's 1 in 6 people across our state, and that includes 1 in 5 children. And the commonwealth continues to have the nation's highest rate of hunger among older adults," Gov. Beshear said. "These aren't just statistics. These are our neighbors and friends."

The Governor warned that even more Kentuckians are at risk of hunger due to dangerous federal cuts to SNAP benefits and encouraged citizens to help by visiting FeedingKY.org or donating to a local food pantry.

Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
Lt. Gov. Coleman joined Thursday's briefing to recognize Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in Kentucky. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted progress Team Kentucky has made to make learning more accessible for Kentuckians of all ages, including removing the GED testing fee, expanding adult education services, apprenticeship opportunities and more.

"We're creating world-class educational and training opportunities by embracing a culture of life-long learning," said Lt. Gov. Coleman. "This will help workers acquire the skills that they need in a rapidly expanding workplace."

Patriot Day and Team Kentucky All-Stars
Gov. Beshear marked the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.

Now known as Patriot Day, the Governor said today was for remembering those we lost as well as the courage and bravery of the first responders. Joined by Lexington Fire Department Chief Jason Wells, the Governor named our country's firefighters, first responders and law enforcement officers as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

"Let us always remember to take the time to remember this day and give thanks to those who sacrificed to protect our people and our country," said Gov. Beshear.

###