FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 13, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on funding to improve communities; recovery efforts after recent storms; progress made to move the commonwealth forward during the first six months of his second term and the upcoming Juneteenth Executive Branch holiday. The Governor named the University of Kentucky baseball team as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Projects to Improve Communities
The Governor announced that $8.5 million will go to 12 projects across Kentucky to improve community facilities. The projects include building new community centers, a new fire station and a new Emergency Medical Services station. The funding comes from Kentucky’s Community Development Block Grant – Community Projects program.
Update on Response to Severe Storms
Gov. Beshear provided an update on the state’s ongoing response to severe weather events. First, the Governor gave an update on the May 26 storms that swept Western Kentucky, including that a sixth person has died because of the severe weather that day, the death resulting from a car accident in Laurel County.
FEMA, local governments and state agencies are currently conducting Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments in 55 counties, to confirm damages to private and public properties caused by tornadoes and severe storms. Upon completion of the assessments, the Governor will submit a federal disaster declaration request to President Biden. The Governor reported that Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is currently sheltering 12 households consisting of 47 Kentuckians who have been displaced from the storms, and Barren River Lake State Resort Park is sheltering one household of two individuals.
The Governor also updated Kentuckians on the state’s response to the April 2 storms. In May, Gov. Beshear announced that a federal disaster declaration was approved by President Joe Biden for the April 2 storms. Since then, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has processed 419 applications in the 11 declared counties and has dispersed just over $363,000 in federal aid for Individual Assistance. The deadline to apply is July 22, 2024. FEMA has established four Disaster Recovery Centers, in Boyd, Fayette, Henry and Union 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 Administration 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.
The Governor announced today that the state will accept applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from individuals in 11 counties who are out of work as a result of the severe storms that occurred on April 2, 2024. For more information and how to apply, see the full release.
Gov. Beshear also announced that individuals in 11 counties who were impacted by severe weather on April 2 will have special tax relief at the federal and state levels, postponing all tax filing and payment deadlines after April 2, 2024, to Nov. 1, 2024. This postponement includes deadlines for income tax returns and tax payments for individual income tax, corporate income tax, income tax withholding and limited liability entity tax. Late fees will be waived for the affected taxpayers seeking this relief. For more information, visit the Kentucky Department of Revenue’s website.
As the Governor wrapped up his weather update, he reminded Kentuckians to stay cool and hydrate this weekend, as the commonwealth is expecting the first significant heat wave of the season.
Record-Breaking Start to Second Term
As June 12 marked six months into Gov. Beshear’s second term in office, the Governor reflected on major announcements that highlight the state’s forward momentum. He talked about actions taken that further job growth, combat addiction, speed the recovery from natural disasters, boost tourism and make the commonwealth a better place for families to live and work. For more, see the full release.
Juneteenth as an Executive Branch Holiday
The Governor reminded Kentuckians that state offices will be closed for Juneteenth Wednesday, June 19. In May, Gov. Beshear declared Juneteenth – a day that commemorates African Americans’ many contributions and long struggle for freedom, justice and equality – an Executive Branch holiday in the commonwealth. The Governor signed an executive order stating that, beginning this year, each June 19 shall be observed in Kentucky as Juneteenth National Day of Freedom.
“Two weeks ago, I decided we could no longer wait for others to do what is right. I signed an executive order officially making Juneteenth a day to give thanks to the many contributions of African Americans and an Executive Branch holiday in Kentucky, joining 28 other states that have already done so,” said Gov. Beshear. “This action finally gives this historic moment the recognition it deserves. Allowing government employees time off with their families to celebrate, to learn and to reflect.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Gov. Beshear named the University of Kentucky baseball team as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. The team is headed to the College World Series for the first time in program history.
“Congratulations to the players, coaches, managers and staff on this incredible milestone more than 120 years in the making,” said Gov. Beshear. “Let’s come together as Team Kentucky to support them as they make the commonwealth proud!”
