FRANKFORT, KY - On Feb. 6, 2025, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development and Louisville’s Bourbon & Beyond festival; new legislation and fiscal notes; the latest winner of the #NewKYHome giveaway; an award to repair local bridges; addiction recovery efforts; cleaner water; improving outdoor spaces; and Super Bowl safety. Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, joined the Governor to provide updates on the Healthy Kentucky Home initiative and enrollment in the state’s health care exchange, kynect. The Governor also announced volunteers for the annual Shop & Share event as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear announced seven innovative Kentucky companies will receive nearly $750,000 in state matching grants to support high-paying jobs and further grow the state’s technology sector.

“This program allows us to invest in the resources that these startup tech companies need to succeed and create high-wage jobs for Kentuckians across the state,” the Governor said. “I am thrilled to see what the future holds for these companies as they continue to thrive here in the commonwealth.”

A full list of award recipients can be found here.

Tax Legislation and Fiscal Notes
The Governor said his administration is sharing information with the public about proposed legislation during this General Assembly session via a 2025 Facts & Fiscal Notes webpage. The Governor is taking this action to make sure Kentuckians know how much it costs to implement legislation being considered by lawmakers.

And today, Gov. Beshear announced the signing of House Bill 1, which provides another income tax cut for Kentuckian.

“I signed this bill this morning because our economy is booming. We’ve broken every record for private sector investment, for new jobs and for new wages, but I know that right now things cost too much for our families,” the Governor said. “I promised you that I would fight for all Kentuckians, that I wouldn’t play politics and I would do what’s best for our families. That’s why I signed HB 1.”

#NewKYHome Giveaway
The Governor announced the latest winner of the #NewKYHome giveaway, which is providing a free, two-night stay at a Kentucky State Park for sharing positive photos about the commonwealth.

Today’s winner was Joshua Hodge, who shared an amazing photo of Pine Mountain State Resort Park.

Those wishing for a chance at the giveaway should post positive photos to social media along with the #NewKYHome hashtag. One winner will be drawn monthly through April.

Repairing Local Bridges
The Governor announced $10.2 million in awards for 23 bridge-repair projects in 18 counties and the city of Winchester.

“Our families worry every day about the safety of our roads and bridges, and about how long it takes them to get where they need to go,” Gov. Beshear said. “This work means that our families will no longer have to detour to get to their homes, schools, health care centers, churches or to get groceries and medicines.”

Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed, LaRue County Judge/Executive Blake Durrett and Hickman County Judge/Executive Kenny Wilson provided video testimonies about the projects in their areas. Other bridge-repair projects will be conducted in Ballard, Barren, Calloway, Campbell, Clay, Graves, Grayson, Johnson, Lyon, Marion, McCracken, Menifee, Nelson, Ohio, Washington and Wolfe counties. A full list of awarded projects can be found here.

Working with the General Assembly, the Governor secured $50 million for local bridge work over two years.

This year’s applications for Phase 2 are being taken now, with final Phase 3 to take place March through May. To apply, city and county officials can contact their local Kentucky Transportation Cabinet district office.

Addiction Recovery
Gov. Beshear provided an update on the state’s partnership with the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky to provide addiction recovery services to underserved populations.

“By reaching underserved individuals in need, we are working to address any overdose disparities,” the Governor said.

Among recent awardees, which have received grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, are Appalshop in Whitesburg, which will use the money to combat the stigma of asking for help, and the Bluegrass Harm Reduction Alliance, which will expand its Narcan distribution and training program.

Cleaner Water
As part of his efforts to bring cleaner water to communities across the commonwealth, the Governor highlighted the federal Low-Income Household Water Assistance program.

“I believe access to clean drinking water is a basic human right,” Gov. Beshear said. “That is why I was proud to announce that Kentucky was the first state to get federal funds to Kentuckians struggling to pay their water bills.”

The Governor said the funding has allowed Kentucky to serve more than 38,900 households in just seven months. The funding restored over 2,120 water connections, prevented over 23,300 disconnections and secured rate reductions for more than 19,320 households.

Kentuckians in need of assistance can visit the kynect resources page for more information.

Improving Outdoor Spaces
Today, Gov. Beshear announced his recommendation of projects to receive funding from the federal Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Recreational Trails Program (RTP).

From the LWCF, Gov. Beshear is recommending 50 projects be sent to the National Park Service (NPS) for review and approval. In total, the projects would bring $7.2 million in funding to improve parks and outdoor spaces across Kentucky. This is a record amount of recommended funding during Gov. Beshear’s administration.

Gov. Beshear is also recommending 8 projects be sent to the Federal Highway Administration to receive funding from the RTP. If all projects are approved, $1.4 million will come to Kentucky to improve trails across the commonwealth.

Kentucky has an excellent approval record for both the LWCF and RTP.

All projects will be reviewed individually at the federal level before funding is released. Selection of these projects at the state level is the first step in getting funding released. Kentucky’s Department for Local Government administers both programs.

Super Bowl Safety
Ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, Gov. Beshear asked fans to play it safe this weekend.

“On Sunday, the Kentucky State Police will be hitting the road to ensure everyone gets to and from their gameday celebrations safely by suiting up for Operation C.A.R.E., which stands for Crash Awareness Reduction Effort,” the Governor said.

Troopers will be looking for speeding as well as impaired or distracted driving.

“Let’s all do our part to be safe but also protect other drivers on the road,” Gov. Beshear said.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named all the volunteers for the annual Shop & Share event as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. This year’s event is on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at participating Kroger stores, with purchased items going to help survivors of domestic violence.

“You’re going to see people as you walk into these stores who can hand you a list of needed items and will be there to collect them at the end,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is what Team Kentucky is all about.”