Kentucky

WASHINGTON -- November 13, 2009 -- Today at a press conference at the Green Earth Bio-Fuel of Kentucky site in Estill County, Congressman Ben Chandler announced $984,000 in federal funding to Bluegrass PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment) to fund a grants program, environmental education in schools and communities, and the development of a strategic plan to shape Central Kentucky’s environmental future. Clark, Estill, Garrard, Lincoln, Madison, Montgomery, and Powell Counties in the Sixth Congressional District and Nicholas County are eligible for these programs.    » read more »

Governor’s recent trip to Japan leads to investment, more than 100 new jobs in Kentucky

November 10, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Joined by officials from Hitachi Automotive Products (USA), Inc. Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today announced the company will expand its Harrodsburg operation, adding a new advanced fuel system production line to the plant. Furthermore, the expansion could also result in an additional product line for hybrid electric products in the near future.    » read more »

Additional 35,000 kids on track to register in state health insurance program

November 10, 2009 -- LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear joined Congressman John Yarmuth and Mayor Jerry Abramson today to announce that new federal stimulus money will help enroll more children in Jefferson County in the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP). One year ago, Gov. Beshear launched a plan to enroll 35,000 KCHIP-eligible children by summer 2010 – a goal the state expects to meet by the end of 2009, six months ahead of schedule.    » read more »

November 06, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff until sundown on Nov. 10 in honor of the victims of yesterday’s tragic incident at Fort Hood.

This order follows the proclamation from President Barack Obama earlier today ordering the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff at the White House and other federal buildings until sundown on Nov. 10.

“Yesterday’s occurrence at Fort Hood was an unprecedented and unspeakable tragedy,” said Gov. Beshear. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and all others who were affected by this inexpressible attack.”    » read more »

Expedite Mine Permits Issuance

November 03, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today announced that he has approved an increase in the number of mine inspectors and the number of mining permit reviewers in the Energy and Environment Cabinet. Speaking with miners and local officials at three stops in eastern Kentucky today, the Governor said making sure Kentucky coal miners are safe must be a priority.

“The addition of 15 mine inspectors in the Office of Mine Safety and Licensing will not only help with our efforts to complete the number of required inspections, but will also enhance our nationally recognized mine rescue team capabilities and response,” said Gov. Beshear.    » read more »

TEK task force will be catalyst to reinvigorate public support for K-12 education

October 19, 2009 -- LEXINGTON, Ky. – In a move to re-energize the support of public schools that nearly 20 years ago sparked Kentucky to implement the nation’s most comprehensive school reform, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today launched his new education initiative, Transforming Education in Kentucky (TEK). The goal is to create a unified vision of what schools in the Commonwealth need to offer in order to better serve students today and tomorrow.    » read more »

Lab’s modeling and simulation supports energy policy and planning

ARGONNE, Ill. (Oct. 14, 2009) — The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory will play a key role in the commonwealth of Kentucky’s comprehensive energy plan designed to develop clean, reliable, affordable energy sources that will improve energy security, reduce carbon emissions and provide economic prosperity.    » read more »

Federal Assistance Helping State Maintain Priorities

October 12, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear said today that the federal stimulus program is doing exactly what it is intended to do—pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into Kentucky’s economy and delivering on its promise of maintaining jobs and programs in education and health care.

The Governor released details today of how stimulus dollars, part of the American Recovery and Re-Investment Act of 2009, have been utilized and also announced that his administration had met the first round of federal reporting requirements. The requirements are part of a series of deadlines established by the Obama administration and Congress for states to specifically detail the use of stimulus dollars.    » read more »

Kentucky’s Farmer of the Year Hosts Press Event on Shelby County Farm

September 16, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear announced today that over $2 million in stimulus funds will be available to Kentucky agriculture. The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is providing funds to Kentucky for on-farm energy conservation, renewable energy production and regional renewable fuel projects.

“It has become increasingly clear how farming and energy – two keystones of Kentucky industry and its future – can have a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Gov. Beshear. “With the help of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, we are positioning agriculture to be a leader in the development of alternative energy sources.”    » read more »

Money to be used to help boost state’s economy

September 15, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Energy efficiency and increased use of renewable energy sources in Kentucky got a substantial boost this week from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Commonwealth has been awarded $10,427,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.

Funds from the program will support projects that create jobs, support energy efficiency and conservation in working toward the goals of achieving Kentucky’s comprehensive energy plan.    » read more »

Natural gas delivery rate change to be effective in 2010

July 1, 2009 -- CINCINNATI -- Duke Energy Kentucky announced today it has filed a request with the Kentucky Public Service Commission seeking a rate increase for natural gas delivery service of approximately $17.5 million, or 14 percent on total gas revenues, to be effective in early 2010.

For an average residential customer using 70 ccf (ccf is 100 cubic feet, the standard unit of measure) of natural gas per month, the monthly bill will increase 17.9 percent, from $75.15 to $88.59, based on Duke Energy Kentucky's current rates for delivery.    » read more »

June 18, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. -- “Kentucky’s unemployment rate today is 10.6 percent – the highest rate since 1983. That sobering fact should dramatically underscore the need for all of us — in the Governor’s office and in the legislature — to find every way possible to save jobs and create new ones.

"We need to act — and act now — on the measures under consideration in this special session. We need to lead — and lead now — on these measures.

"Our economic incentives bill will create jobs and stimulate hundreds of millions in investment for our Commonwealth. Our budget proposal continues funding for education and key areas of health care and public safety. The bridges’ bill would help projects worth billions of dollars move forward.    » read more »

Focus on existing Kentucky companies, job creation and investment

June 10, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today unveiled details of his economic incentives legislation, intended to modernize the state’s economic development capabilities. The proposed legislation will be sponsored by Rep. Tommy Thompson of Owensboro.

The bill is designed to update the state’s antiquated economic incentive toolbox with a focus on helping Kentucky’s existing businesses, luring major tourism development projects to the state and securing necessary funding for a proposed advanced battery manufacturing complex in Hardin County, all of which would create jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in investment for Kentucky.    » read more »

Measure would limit VLTs to horseracing tracks to save signature industry in crisis

June 09, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Citing the crisis confronting the horse industry, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today released details of his proposal to authorize the limited use of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at Kentucky horseracing tracks.

Kentucky’s racetracks, Gov. Beshear said, are experiencing increased competition from other states offering enhanced race purses and breeders incentives made possible from expanded gaming proceeds.    » read more »

Special application cycle for one-time Victim Assistance funds to start June 15

June 08, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today announced that nearly $800,000 in stimulus funds would be available for supplemental public safety grants through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant. These grant funds will provide funding opportunities for victim services projects throughout the Commonwealth.    » read more »