FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 2, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on emergency response efforts following recent storms and flooding, economic development, state parks and tourism, projects to improve local bridges, housing in Eastern Kentucky and upcoming Independence Day celebrations. First Lady Britainy Beshear provided an update on the commonwealth’s efforts to fight domestic violence. Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, provided an update on the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative. The Governor named first responders and volunteers who have helped with emergency response and recovery efforts this past week as Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts Following Recent Flooding
The Governor provided an update on the dangerous flooding that impacted most of the state over the weekend. Yesterday, Gov. Beshear visited with families and toured the damage in two of the hardest hit areas: Cumberland and Madison counties.
On Saturday, the Governor declared a state of emergency for the commonwealth. Twenty-six cities and counties also declared a local state of emergency. Large amounts of rainfall hit during short periods of time, with some areas receiving more than 8 inches. Over 63 water rescues and evacuations have been conducted.
Currently, emergency management teams are conducting damage assessments in affected areas. Team Kentucky asks that people who were impacted fill out a damage assessment survey. The Governor noted that flooding has left behind debris and advised Kentuckians to proceed with caution, especially boaters on lakes or rivers this holiday weekend. Additionally, many roadways and bridges are closed due to damage. Visit goky.ky.gov for up-to-date road conditions.
If you would like to support Kentuckians affected by this severe weather event, please visit the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund. All donations go directly to survivors of emergency events in the commonwealth.
The Governor also provided an update on current weather conditions, as much of the commonwealth is still under an extreme heat warning. Team Kentucky encourages Kentuckians to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, stay in the air conditioning as much as possible, avoid going outdoors during the warmest hours, bring pets inside, and check vehicles before locking the doors to make sure no children or pets are inside. Team Kentucky has also set up cooling centers across the state.
Economic Development
Yesterday, Gov. Beshear joined local officials and leadership from Horse Soldier Bourbon to celebrate the grand opening of the company’s new $200 million distillery and full-scale bourbon tourism attraction in Pulaski County, adding another signature project to Kentucky’s growing bourbon and tourism industries.
Kentucky State Parks and Tourism
Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky State Parks generated $1.1 billion in economic impact in 2024, supporting 8,600 jobs and helping fuel economic growth across the commonwealth.
Since the beginning of his administration, the Governor has signed legislation allocating $213 million for state parks renovations to ensure this success continues.
In June, Team Kentucky cut the ribbon on a $3.8 million campground renovation at Carter Caves State Resort Park. Click here for a Good News update on this project. Team Kentucky also invested $7.4 million at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park to renovate the lodge and conference center. Click here for a Good News update on this project. To follow the progress of Kentucky State Parks renovation projects, visit parks.ky.gov/improvements.
Gov. Beshear also announced that seven Certified Local Government Program communities received $113,500 in federal grant funding to support projects focused on preservation efforts, including public education, documentation and community revitalization.
Domestic Violence Dashboard and Annual Report
Today, to further protect against domestic violence, combat human trafficking and support survivors, the First Lady announced that Team Kentucky has launched an interactive data dashboard for the public to more easily view data; compare statewide statistics by county and area development district; and gather specific information on offenders, domestic violence shelters and support services, as well as law enforcement-related outcomes. The dashboard includes data from each of Kentucky’s annual domestic violence data reports.
Today, Team Kentucky also released the 2025 Domestic Violence Data Report, which is reflected in the new dashboard. For more, see the full release.
Awards To Improve Local Bridges
The Governor announced $5.5 million to repair or replace 10 bridges across eight Kentucky counties and two cities. The funding will reconnect and restore safe traffic flow on previously closed or weight-restricted routes.
Eastern Kentucky Housing
Gov. Beshear provided an update on housing for communities affected by flooding in the east. The Governor announced that Team Kentucky is providing over $1.7 million to the Perry County Fiscal Court to build five homes out of the flood plain, along with the necessary infrastructure, in the Chavies community. The Governor also noted progress being made at Chestnut Ridge, one of the eight high-ground sites in Eastern Kentucky. At Chestnut Ridge in Knott County, three more homes will be framed and sided by the end of this week. Eight high-ground communities will eventually provide over 500 new homes for flood survivors out of the flood plain.
Our Healthy Kentucky Home
Dr. Stack provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home, an initiative to promote simple, positive and attainable goals to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. Dr. Stack highlighted important resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs and kynect.
Independence Day
The Governor noted that this Saturday, July 4, is Independence Day, as well as a celebration of 250 years of our democracy. Team Kentucky is hosting a celebration in Frankfort on the Kentucky Historical Society campus. For more, visit history.ky.gov.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Following recent storms and flooding, the Governor named first responders and volunteers who have helped with emergency response and recovery as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“From our swift water teams who conducted more than 63 rescues and evacuations, to our state and local emergency management, KSP, law enforcement and more, these teams helped save lives and we are grateful,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is the spirit of Team Kentucky. This is who we are. We lead with kindness and love, and our resilience and strength help us overcome. These heroes are true Team Kentucky All-Stars.”
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