Kentucky again tops the South Central region for economic development projects per capita
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 3, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on the commonwealth’s strong economic ranking in Site Selection’s annual Governor’s Cup, as well as new jobs and expansion projects throughout the commonwealth. The Governor also shared news on the Commonwealth Sheltering Program for tornado victims, the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund and a tribute to Ukraine.
“Kentucky’s continued economic success is being recognized nationally and our momentum shows no sign of slowing as we announce more expansion projects for existing businesses and new businesses in the commonwealth,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “We have once again taken the number three spot in the entire country for economic development projects per capita, showing that we continue to punch above our weight.”
2021 Governor’s Cup
The 2021 Governor’s Cup rankings have been announced, with Kentucky once again atop the South Central region for economic development projects per capita, the latest evidence of the commonwealth’s continued economic momentum. Site Selection magazine’s annual Governor’s Cup rankings for 2021 also saw Kentucky maintain its Top 3 ranking nationally for qualifying projects per capita for the eighth consecutive year. To learn more, see the full release.
Pegasus Industries Expands in Shelbyville
Yesterday, Gov. Beshear highlighted the continued growth of Kentucky’s distribution and logistics sector with the announcement of Pegasus Industries’ expansion of their company headquarters in Shelbyville. The market expansion of Pegasus’ distribution facility will create 26 full-time jobs with an investment of $738,000. The expansion will allow the company to provide custom service to Kentucky’s bourbon and spirits industry. To learn more, see the full release.
Total Quality Logistics Creates Jobs Across Three Existing Kentucky Offices
Kentucky businesses continue to reinvest and create jobs across the state, Gov. Beshear said, as he announced Total Quality Logistics, one of the largest freight brokerage and third-party logistics firms in North America, will grow its presence in the commonwealth with expansions at three offices across Lexington, Louisville and unincorporated Boone County, resulting in up to 525 new full-time Kentucky-resident jobs. To learn more, see the full release.
Tornado Survivors Sheltering Update
Gov. Beshear said on Tuesday, Kentucky Emergency Management took over the management of emergency sheltering in hotels from the American Red Cross.
As of March, the commonwealth is sheltering 2,605 individuals from 246 households in travel trailers, hotels and state parks. And, as the number of sheltering guests continues to decline, the commonwealth has begun the process of consolidating the number of parks providing temporary housing. The consolidation allows sheltered guests whose homes were destroyed or badly damaged to transition to medium-term housing, which are self-sufficient family units that have more room and amenities like a kitchen. Medium-term housing includes travel trailers and cottages that are closer to their communities and schools. Guests whose residences were deemed livable by FEMA and local emergency management due to sustaining no damage or minor damage are in the process of moving back into their homes.
Gov. Beshear also reminded Kentuckians to “be aware, be prepared and have a plan” during Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kentucky.
$5.7 Million for Western Kentucky Tornado Victims
The Governor said this week, he announced $5.7 million in assistance payments from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund are headed to renters and homeowners who were recently affected by the devastating weather event. Over this week and next week, checks will be mailed to nearly 5,000 Kentuckians whose homes and apartments were damaged by the recent tornados. These reimbursement payments will help Kentuckians who made a tornado-related insurance claim cover up to $2,500 of out-of-pocket deductible payments.
The Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund has already provided $800,000 to families to help cover funeral expenses. Another $2 million in assistance was sent to uninsured homeowners and renters who were displaced or affected by the December storm. To donate to the fund, visit TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov.
Capitol and Governor’s Mansion Lit in Honor of Ukraine
Today, Gov. Beshear said he has lit the Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion blue and yellow to pay tribute to the strength and bravery of the Ukrainian people. He invited all Kentuckians to join him and First Lady Britainy Beshear in lifting Ukraine up in prayer.
“Stopping a dictator’s aggression has always required sacrifice. The sacrifice being asked of the American people right now is an economic sacrifice,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’ve seen throughout history if you don’t stand up to people like this – if you don’t do what it takes to stop them immediately – they will keep going, and we can’t allow that.”
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