FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 13, 2025) — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear provided updates Thursday on several state initiatives, including economic development projects, emergency response efforts, and infrastructure improvements.
Economic Growth Across the State
The governor highlighted recent business expansions creating jobs in multiple counties. MRCOOL recently opened an expanded facility in Graves County, representing a $5.35 million investment and 40 new full-time positions.
In Mt. Sterling, e-commerce company Rip Technologies is investing $4.3 million and creating 46 full-time jobs. Montgomery County has allocated over $700,000 in equipment leasing support for the company’s expansion.
Ford Motor Company announced a $60 million investment at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Jefferson County, adding 100 full-time jobs as part of expanded F-Series Super Duty truck production.
UPS Plane Crash Victims Identified
Following the Nov. 4 UPS plane crash in Louisville, officials confirmed that all 14 victims have been identified. The deceased include crew members Capt. Dana Diamond, Capt. Richard Wartenberg, and First Officer Lee Truitt, along with 11 others.
A relief fund has been established at TeamKyEmergencyReliefFund.ky.gov for those wishing to support affected families.
Eastern Kentucky Water Infrastructure
Two water infrastructure projects in flood-affected Eastern Kentucky counties were recently completed. In Breathitt County, a $1.7 million project replaced over 6,000 feet of damaged waterline, improving service to more than 950 households.
In Knott County, an $8.25 million initiative is installing over 68,000 feet of waterline along KY-80, benefiting 2,500 existing customers with plans to serve additional residents in the future.
State Police Recruitment Expands
Kentucky State Police announced expanded guaranteed post assignments for graduates of Cadet Class 107, scheduled to begin in May 2026. The expansion includes posts in Elizabethtown and Frankfort, which serve the Louisville and Lexington metropolitan areas. The starting salary for new troopers is $69,500 annually. Applications are being accepted at JoinKSP.com.
Veterans Recognition and Lung Cancer Awareness
The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs received the VA Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award for customer service for the fifth consecutive year.
The governor also recognized November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, noting that Kentucky earned a 100% score in a national assessment of state cancer plans. While the state’s lung cancer survival rate has increased 30% over five years, Kentucky still reports the highest rate of new lung cancer cases nationally.
SNAP Benefits Restoration
Following a federal government shutdown that suspended SNAP benefits on Nov. 1, Kentucky was among the first states to process partial benefits after receiving federal authorization on Nov. 6. The state’s Department for Community Based Services and Cabinet for Health and Family Services Office of Application Technology Services worked overnight to restore access for nearly 600,000 Kentucky residents.
The governor announced that shortly before Thursday’s update, the administration received confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that full SNAP benefits would be restored. State officials indicated they are prepared to process benefits quickly once final federal clearance is received ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
