(FRANKFORT, Ky.) (August 13, 2025) – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear delivered his weekly Team Kentucky briefing today, highlighting significant progress across multiple fronts including major corporate investments, flood recovery efforts, addiction recovery support, and educational initiatives.
Major Corporate Investments Drive Economic Growth
Kentucky continues to attract substantial business investments under the Beshear administration. This week brought two major announcements that underscore the state’s growing economic momentum.
Ford Motor Company revealed plans for a groundbreaking $2 billion investment at its Louisville Assembly Plant. The project, which ranks as Kentucky’s third-largest economic development initiative in state history, will introduce cutting-edge manufacturing processes for an upcoming electric mid-size pickup truck. Governor Beshear joined Ford CEO Jim Farley and company executives on Monday to celebrate the announcement.
Meanwhile, GE Appliances marked a separate milestone with its $3 billion, five-year commitment to U.S. manufacturing operations. The investment includes a $490 million project at Louisville’s Appliance Park that was announced earlier this year.
Notably, four of Kentucky’s five largest private-sector investments have been secured during the current administration.
Eastern Kentucky Flood Recovery Takes Shape
The state’s ambitious high-ground housing initiative is transforming from concept to reality across Eastern Kentucky. Eight designated sites will ultimately provide more than 500 affordable homes for flood survivors, all located safely outside flood-prone areas.
Recent developments include a $7.5 million contract awarded for road construction and neighborhood development at Chestnut Ridge in Knott County, where 175 homes are planned. The project’s western section has nearly completed sewer and water infrastructure, with paving and sidewalks scheduled for October completion.
Construction milestones continue across the region. New Hope Estates in Floyd County broke ground on its first three homes in July, representing the beginning of a 34-home community. The Cottages at Thompson Branch reached completion in May with 10 new homes, while Perry County’s Skyview site has begun framing work for what will become a nearly 100-home development.
“What began as an ambitious idea – to build entire neighborhoods out of the flood plain – is now becoming a reality,” Governor Beshear noted. “We’re seeing families moving into homes, and we’re seeing healing happen in real time.”
Addiction Recovery Support Expands Statewide
Kentucky’s Recovery Housing Program announced over $2 million in new funding allocations to expand treatment and housing options for individuals battling addiction.
The awards include $824,276 for The Haven Ministries in Louisville to construct nine bedrooms accommodating up to 18 residents. Fulton County Fiscal Court received $600,000 to convert an existing vacant building into a recovery facility, while the Thrive Community Coalition in Martin County was awarded $600,000 to build four recovery housing homes.
Infrastructure Improvements Address Flood Damage
The city of Jackson will receive $5 million in Community Development Block Grant funding to address water infrastructure needs stemming from recent flood damage. The allocation includes $4 million for upgrading the municipal water treatment plant, which sustained severe damage during 2021 and 2022 flooding events. An additional $1 million will fund construction of a new water storage tank serving an apartment building designated for flood survivors.
Kentucky Leads Nation in Cancer Prevention Efforts
The state achieved a notable public health milestone by earning the only perfect score nationwide in GO2 for Lung Cancer’s assessment of state cancer prevention plans. The evaluation examined all 50 states across 10 key metrics related to lung cancer prevention and treatment efforts.
“Our perfect score reflects our commitment to building Our Healthy Kentucky Home, as well as increasing access to cancer screenings,” the Governor stated, while acknowledging continued work ahead.
Pre-K Initiative Gains Momentum Through Community Engagement
The Pre-K for All initiative continues building support through grassroots engagement and community input. Four town halls have been completed in Frankfort, Northern Kentucky, Bowling Green, and Morehead, with a fifth scheduled for the upcoming Kentucky State Fair in Louisville.
These sessions have provided platforms for businesses, parents, and community leaders to share perspectives on expanding pre-kindergarten access to all Kentucky 4-year-olds. The initiative’s 28-member advisory committee, comprising leaders from across the commonwealth, has maintained regular meeting schedules.
Public response has been substantial, with over 21,000 emails sent to legislators in the two months since the program’s launch.
“This isn’t political,” Governor Beshear emphasized. “The education of our kids, getting parents back to work, helping our businesses – there is nothing political about any of those things.”
Additional information is available at PreK4All.Ky.gov.
State Fair Celebrates Kentucky Heritage
The Kentucky State Fair opens tomorrow with Governor Beshear participating in opening ceremonies alongside state and local officials. Running through August 24, this year’s fair operates under the theme “All Things Kentucky, All in One Place,” celebrating the commonwealth’s unique character and attractions.
Public Service Recognition
Lori Farris, director of the Governor’s Office of Constituent Services, received recognition as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star as she prepares for retirement after nearly four decades of state government service.
“Folks who work in the State Capitol know that every time you see Lori, she has a smile on her face, and that smile comes through the phone when people reach out to her for help,” Governor Beshear said. “It has been an honor to serve alongside Lori.”