FRANKFORT, KY - On Nov. 14, 2024, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development, the launch of New Kentucky Home, awards to improve Kentucky’s railways and the Purple Star Schools program. The Governor named former Assistant Attorney General Lana Grandon as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.

Economic Development
The Governor said that Kentucky has two exciting and historic economic development announcements tomorrow, including the ribbon-cutting for Stellar Snacks, the largest economic development project in West Louisville in decades. For the other historic announcement, tune in to the Governor’s Facebook and YouTube channels Friday at 10 a.m. EST.

On Wednesday, the Governor joined company executives and Elizabethtown Community and Technical College faculty to tour the ECTC BlueOval SK Training Center, which will provide training for the 5,000 jobs that are expected at the BlueOval SK Battery Park. BlueOval SK already has hired approximately 750 workers for the Glendale site. The company is hiring more workers now. Fill out a job application at BlueOvalSK.com

New Kentucky Home
In an effort to build on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, on Tuesday, Gov. Beshear announced New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth. New Kentucky Home is a comprehensive marketing initiative that will serve as a reintroduction of Kentucky to the world, showcasing the state’s vibrant economy, natural beauty, cultural richness and welcoming communities.

Kentucky Railway Projects
The Governor announced a $7.5 million state investment for eight Kentucky railway projects to maintain and enhance existing infrastructure. The projects were selected to retain and attract new business. The grants will fund the replacement of cross ties; updates to communications equipment and capabilities; brush removal and drainage optimization; replacing, upgrading or extending old rail lines; and construction of new track.

R.J. Corman Railroad Co. is one of five railroad companies receiving funding, with nearly $1.5 million going to improve the company’s Central Kentucky line and Memphis line in Logan County. April Colyer, a representative of the company, joined the Team Kentucky Update to talk about the importance of the funding.

Purple Star Award
Following Veterans Day, the Governor highlighted Kentucky’s Purple Star School program, designed to help schools across the commonwealth provide the best possible resources for military families. In 2022, Gov. Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear helped launch the Purple Star School program in Kentucky. Two years later, the commonwealth now has over 130 participating schools, and three “All Purple Star Counties” where every school in the county is certified. These are Christian County, Monroe County and, as of last week, Meade County.

“Kentucky has over 40,000 military children,” said Gov. Beshear. “These children make sacrifices daily so their loved ones can serve and protect our country. From deployment to relocation, these challenges can be difficult for families, but programs like this one can help. We are so grateful to our schools that have taken on the Purple Star challenge, and we encourage any schools that haven’t to get certified now.”

Matt Johnson, the Family Resource Center Coordinator at Westridge Elementary in Frankfort, joined the press conference to talk about how the Purple Star program has impacted his school. For schools interested in participating, the next round of applications closes on Feb. 15, 2025. Visit KYPurpleStar.org to apply.

Team Kentucky All-Star
The Governor named long-standing public servant Lana Grandon this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star. Grandon passed away last week. She was the longest continuously serving female assistant attorney general. Her legal legacy included numerous published opinions, statewide task forces and legislative initiatives – all of which she worked on to help support crime victims.

“I had the honor of working with Lana when she served as an assistant attorney general in the AG’s Office,” said Gov. Beshear. “Lana also joined us during this administration helping others. She was a tireless advocate for crime victims and their families during the worst times of their life. Britainy and I send our deepest condolences to Lana’s family, friends and colleagues. She was a remarkable woman and a true Team Kentucky All-Star.”