FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 6, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, executive action related to data centers, the Pre-K Pilot Program, work by the Kentucky State Police to remove dangerous drugs from our communities, upgrades at Kentucky State Parks, and housing in eastern and western Kentucky. First Lady Britainy Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to donate blood at the Team Kentucky Blood Drive. Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, provided an update on the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative. The Governor named school teachers, administrators and staff as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars as they prepare to welcome Kentucky students back to school.
Economic Development
Gov. Beshear announced further investment in the state’s site and building development efforts as more than $5.2 million was approved to support future investment and job creation in Adair, Ballard, Clinton, Floyd, Madison, Magoffin, Monroe and Montgomery counties through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative.
Gov. Beshear announced six innovative Kentucky companies will receive $748,620 in state matching grants to support high-paying jobs and further grow the state’s technology sector.
Yesterday, the First Lady joined local officials and leadership from Artisans Inc. to celebrate the grand opening of the company’s new $8.4 million manufacturing facility in Lexington, a project that is creating 55 new jobs for Kentuckians.
The Governor highlighted further momentum within the state’s manufacturing and food and beverage industries as ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, announced an investment of more than $16 million to expand the company’s Boone County facility and create more than 40 new jobs.
The Governor highlighted exciting new momentum within the state’s manufacturing sector as KOI Superior Walls celebrated the grand opening of its new manufacturing facility in Boone County, creating 73 Kentucky jobs.
Gov. Beshear highlighted continued momentum within the state’s manufacturing industry as ISCO Industries cut the ribbon on its new $12.75 million manufacturing facility in Louisville. The project is slated to create 50 new full-time jobs.
Executive Action To Protect Against Harmful Impacts From Potential Data Centers
Today, the Governor announced that in response to the surging demand for data centers and energy resources across the country, he has signed an executive order to protect against harmful impacts from potential data centers in the commonwealth and empower local communities to be the decision-makers related to these projects.
Gov. Beshear’s executive order requires any data center project developers to submit an energy plan to the Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) showing how the company will protect Kentucky families and current businesses by not raising electric bills. The executive order also requires the Public Service Commission (PSC) to prohibit utility companies from increasing rates to recover costs caused by the development or operations of a data center.
The Governor also directed the EEC to deny any permitting applications where a data center would negatively impact air quality, water use, water quality, water supply, federal jurisdictional wetlands or natural resources. Additionally, the Governor’s order requires that any data center project developer must pay their fair share of state, local and school taxes.
Finally, the Governor’s executive action requires data center developers to commit to engaging with transparency in public discussions with local community leaders and residents. EEC Secretary John Lyons and Angie Hatton, chair of the PSC, joined the Governor to discuss how their agencies will enforce this executive order.
“To be clear, this order doesn’t say yes to any data center – that’s up to the local community. But it does say no to any center not meeting the requirements,” said Gov. Beshear. “Local leaders and residents know their communities best. I trust their judgment when it comes to significant projects like these. And you can be sure that I will be actively monitoring any and all data center projects that move forward. Because Kentucky is our home. And we want to make sure it continues to provide for us, our children, our grandchildren and generations of Kentuckians to come.”
Pre-K Pilot Program
Gov. Beshear announced the expansion of the Pre-K Pilot Program to Dawson Springs, bringing the total school districts served through the program to five. Since May, the Governor and his administration have increased childcare access for nearly 3,000 additional children across the commonwealth through three major announcements. For more, see the full release.
Governor and First Lady To Host Blood Drive
The First Lady highlighted that the American Red Cross recently declared the second national blood supply crisis in its history after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low. To encourage donations, the Governor and First Lady are hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the Kentucky State Office Building. To sign up for Team Kentucky’s blood drive, or to find a blood drive near you, visit Governor.ky.gov/GiveBlood.
“All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially dire for Type O blood,” said Mrs. Beshear. “Rolling up our sleeves to donate blood is one of the best ways we can take care of our neighbors. Let’s show the world how our commonwealth comes together to take care of each other when it’s needed most.”
Our Healthy Kentucky Home
Dr. Stack provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home, an initiative to promote simple, positive and attainable goals to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. For August, the initiative is focusing on women’s health. Dr. Stack highlighted resources for Kentucky women, such as the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program and ZeroV.
Kentucky State Police Removes Dangerous Drugs from Communities
The Governor announced that the Kentucky State Police (KSP) successfully concluded Operation Mountain Justice, targeting suspected drug trafficking networks operating throughout the Post 9 district. The operation resulted in 28 arrests, 54 total criminal charges and the seizure of illegal drugs with a street value totaling more than $102,000. This includes 4.7 pounds of methamphetamine and 130 grams of fentanyl.
“This operation in Eastern Kentucky means that fewer families will experience the pain and loss that these dangerous drugs can cause,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thank you, KSP, for continuing to put your neighbors first.”
Upgrades at Kentucky State Parks
Gov. Beshear announced that Pine Mountain State Resort Park will receive $6.9 million in hospitality upgrades to enhance the visitor experience and attract new travelers. This project is part of Team Kentucky’s historic investments in Kentucky State Parks to support tourism and economic growth. The Governor shared a Good News update on this project.
Additionally, following last year’s historic flooding that caused major infrastructure damage at Green River Lake State Park, Gov. Beshear announced the reopening of 73 primitive campsites. To support long-term recovery, the park is following a phased reopening plan. The campground reopened on July 31 for primitive and self-contained camping. These sites will remain open until Oct. 31, when the campground closes for the season.
Restoration and infrastructure work will begin Nov. 1, 2026. The campground is expected to fully reopen in spring 2027. After the renovation, campers can expect upgraded electrical service at every site, improved campsites, renovated bathhouses and enhanced drainage to improve the guest experience. The Governor shared a Good News update on this project.
Housing in Eastern and Western Kentucky
Last week, Gov. Beshear joined local officials and housing developers in Eastern Kentucky to mark the four-year anniversary of the floods of 2022. The Governor handed over the keys to three new homeowners at the Skyview neighborhood in Hazard, broke ground on 30 new homes at the Chestnut Ridge neighborhood in Knott County, and issued an executive order directing $2.5 million to help build approximately 25 homes across high-ground communities in Eastern Kentucky. Across the region, Team Kentucky is supporting eight high-ground communities that are planned to provide more than 500 new homes out of the floodplain.
The Governor also highlighted that Team Kentucky’s documentary, RISING, is now available for streaming on Prime Video, with proceeds going to the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund, which assists Kentuckians impacted by natural disasters and catastrophic events.
In December, Team Kentucky will mark the five-year anniversary of the tornado outbreak in Western Kentucky. Since 2021, the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund has supported the construction of 260 homes. Team Kentucky is also partnering with the Kentucky Housing Corp. to provide over $200 million to build nearly 1,000 rental units in the region. This is the single largest housing announcement in Kentucky’s history. Gov. Beshear highlighted that construction is ongoing on two developments in Dawson Springs from this announcement. These two developments will bring 88 units to Hopkins County.
“We knew these rebuilds would take years. But we knew the results would be worth it. And for communities that have been through the worst – they deserve the best,” said Gov. Beshear. “I’m very proud of the work we’ve done to get to this point. And there will be more good news soon.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named school teachers, administrators and staff as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars as they prepare to welcome Kentucky students back to school.
“Being a teacher is one of the most important jobs in the world. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my teachers. And now, as a dad, I’m seeing that impact all over again as I watch my two kids make their way through school,” said Gov. Beshear. “So, let’s all thank the teachers in our lives as the new school year begins.”
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