FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 6, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined leaders from addiction treatment agencies to announce the release of the 2023 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality report. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor also provided an update on economic development; a step forward in the Mountain Parkway Expansion; funding to clean up historic mine sites and support jobs in Eastern Kentucky; progress on housing in Eastern Kentucky; and recovery efforts after recent storms. The Governor recognized the 80th anniversary of D-Day and named those who fought in the battle as well as those combating substance abuse in the commonwealth as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Economic Development
The Governor recapped a groundbreaking celebration that took place Wednesday when he joined Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson, Franklin County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller and others to celebrate a Target store coming to Frankfort. The store will be the anchor of a $150 million mixed-use development project that is the largest in city and county history.
2023 Overdose Fatality Report
Gov. Beshear announced that overdose deaths in the commonwealth have decreased for the second year in a row, with 2023 seeing a 9.8% decrease compared with the previous year.
“By working together, we have decreased the amount of drug overdose deaths in Kentucky, yet still far too many lives have been lost and we still have a long way to go,” said Gov. Beshear. “We have remained committed to helping our families overcome addiction and celebrate our progress and renew that commitment today.”
Update on Mountain Parkway Expansion
Lt. Gov. Coleman announced that the Federal Highway Administration has completed its environmental review of the Mountain Parkway Expansion’s final 13-mile segment and found that no significant environmental impacts would result from constructing the new roadway. That determination marks a necessary step toward advancing the project to construction.
“The end of the Mountain Parkway Expansion is in sight,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “This isn’t just an investment in a road project, it’s an investment in safety and opportunities for the people of Eastern Kentucky. This federal decision affirms our assessment that progress, people and places are prioritized as we fulfill a commitment that is decades in the making.”
Investing in Clean-Up of Historic Mine Sites and Jobs in Eastern Kentucky
Lt. Gov. Coleman announced that Kentucky will receive more than $74 million in federal funds to continue cleaning up hazards left by historic mining and $28.67 million to support economic development and job creation in Eastern Kentucky.
Progress on Housing in Eastern Kentucky
On Wednesday, Gov. Beshear joined local leaders and nonprofit home builder Housing Development Alliance (HDA) in Chavies to present keys to a new home to flood survivor Melissa Neace. The celebration marked HDA’s 100th flood survivor to receive keys to a new home or receive significant repairs. HDA has completed 23 new homes and 77 home rehabilitations since the 2022 flooding.
The Governor also announced that Team Kentucky has partnered with Fahe to help Kentuckians affected by the floods of 2021 or 2022 navigate the application process for homeownership, allowing flood victims to secure permanent housing. To address long-term housing needs, Gov. Beshear has announced seven high-ground communities in four counties. Together, the seven communities will bring over 500 new homes to the area. For more, see the full release.
Update on Response to Severe Storms
The Governor provided an update on the state’s ongoing response to severe weather events. On May 26, severe storms swept Western Kentucky, and the Governor confirmed that, in total, 15 tornadoes touched down. Their paths of destruction covered 162.42 miles and stretched across 19 counties in the commonwealth.
Sadly, five fatalities related to the storms have been confirmed. The deaths occurred in the city of Louisville and in Caldwell, Hardin, Hopkins and Mercer counties. Today, the Governor announced that, thanks to $50,000 in private donations, including $40,000 from an anonymous donor and $10,000 from the Kentucky Distiller’s Association, the funeral costs for the five Kentuckians lost will be covered.
The Governor reported that Pennyrile State Park is currently sheltering nine households consisting of 38 Kentuckians, and Barren River State Park is sheltering one household of two individuals. Staff from Kentucky Emergency Management and FEMA have already begun assessing damages to determine if this event could be eligible for a federal disaster declaration.
The Governor also gave an update on federal assistance following the 19 tornadoes that swept across the commonwealth April 2-3. In May, Gov. Beshear announced that a federal disaster declaration was approved by President Joe Biden. Since then, FEMA has processed 252 applications in the 11 declared counties and has dispersed just over $278,000 in federal aid for Individual Assistance. FEMA has established three Disaster Recovery Centers in Boyd, Fayette and Henry counties, where affected individuals can visit face-to-face with FEMA staff, apply for aid, ask questions and receive updates on their cases. Find a location near you.
The Small Business Adminstration also has representatives at Disaster Recovery Centers and has opened two Business Recovery Centers for the first time in Kentucky. They are in Jefferson and Jessamine counties. Survivors can apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, using the FEMA app, or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. See the Disaster Recovery Center Locator on the FEMA website.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Gov. Beshear recognized the 80th anniversary of D-Day and named the brave soldiers who fought in the battle as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“Eighty years ago, on D-Day, freedom prevailed, and today we pay tribute to those who fought and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today is also a time to honor and uplift those heroes who are still with us. Let’s recommit ourselves to honoring all of our armed forces heroes and keep working to be worthy of them and their sacrifices.”
As Kentucky marks the second year in a row to see a decrease in overdose deaths, the Governor also named everyone working to fight addiction in the commonwealth as Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“One thing is clear to me: This accomplishment took so many Team Kentucky partners working together,” said Gov. Beshear. “From our leaders here in Frankfort to those in our communities, our health care workers, recovery coaches and counselors, case managers, social workers, re-entry coordinators and everyone helping provide a second chance. You are working to save lives and help families rebuild and for that we are grateful.”
