Gov. Beshear gives Team Kentucky update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KFVS) - Governor Andy Beshear held his weekly Team Kentucky update on Thursday, September 22 at 11 a.m.

The briefing was at the State Capitol in Frankfort.

Gov. Beshear discussed a variety of topics which could include economic development, infrastructure improvements and the state’s response to the flooding in eastern Kentucky.

Kentucky gas prices

Gov. Beshear shared that Kentucky’s gas prices continue to decline. The governor’s office says the average price for gas in the commonwealth is almost 43 cents lower than the national average of $3.684 at $3.253, according to the American Automobile Association.

To see a full list of actions Gov. Beshear has taken to provide Kentuckians relief from high gas prices as well as tips to help families save, click here.

Funding to support crime victims

Gov. Beshear announced nearly $23 million in grant funding from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Formula Victim Assistance Grant Program supporting victims of crime in the commonwealth.

Orphan wells

Part of the Better Kentucky Plan’s Stronger Communities Program, Gov. Beshear previously announced a $25 million grant to plug orphan oil and gas wells across the commonwealth.

The governor says interested contractors are encouraged to bid through the Finance Cabinet on “packages” of orphan wells identified by the Division of Oil and Gas as eligible for this program.

Last week, the first ten contracts wee awarded. These contracts will plug 153 wells in Allen, Christian, Cumberland, Daviess, Henderson, Lee, McClean, Ohio, Pulaski and Webster counties.

The commonwealth has the potential to receive an additional $79 million in the next phase of the five-year infrastructure program.

Eastern Ky. flood update

All drinking water systems are now operational; 22 systems were down immediately after the flooding.

The governor says there are 32 service connections without water, down from 34,121 on July 28.

Local organizations including state parks, churches and schools are providing shelter to survivors.

State parks are currently housing more than 331 people.

According to a release, 17 individuals are sheltering in six hotels in eastern Kentucky.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is beginning to remove and collect abandoned cars and trucks and start the process of notifying their owners.

To date, 225,253 tons of debris have been removed from state and county rights-of-way and waterways.

The governor’s office says more than $71 million in grants has been approved under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program for 7,610 households.

There are six fixed Disaster Recovery Centers now open.

There are currently 409 individuals being housed in 149 travel trailers across seven state parks. There are 248 travel trailers onsite.

KYTC has identified 854 private crossings within the flood-impacted counties in eastern Kentucky.

More than 730 of these bridges have been assessed for damage by a team that includes representatives from FEMA and KYTC.

Gov. Beshear says flood survivors that qualify for FEMA are eligible for an additional $500 from the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund.

Much like the process used following the tornadoes in western Kentucky, there is no application for this assistance. Thus far, 6,507 checks are going out for this additional $500, totaling $3,253,500 in payments.

The fund has paid for 40 funerals totaling $400,000.

To date, the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief fund has raised over $9.7 million from over 37,000 donors.

The governor also highlighted and thanked the Kelly Clarkson Show, which donated $20,000.

Donations can be made at TeamEKYFloodReliefFund.ky.gov.

Team Kentucky All-Stars

Gov. Beshear recognized the 2023 Kentucky Teachers of the Year as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Among those chosen was Mandy Perez of Crittenden County Middle School.

He also recognized the schools named 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools, which included Fancy Farm Elementary School in Graves County.

“These past few years, schools across Kentucky have shown resilience during unprecedented times. Our teachers have kept showing up each-and-every day for our kids. Our schools have adapted and bounced back better than ever,” Gov. Beshear said. “As governor, and as a dad to two young kids myself, I am so grateful.”