VERSAILLES, Ky. (Sept. 15, 2023) – Today, at the Woodford County Courthouse, Gov. Andy Beshear presented more than $939,000 in funding to support economic development, cybersecurity, recycling, road safety and more.
“As we continue to see record economic momentum across the commonwealth, every community deserves to see new jobs coming to their hometown,” Gov. Beshear said. “That’s why I’m so excited about today’s awards in Woodford County, where we’re helping attract new businesses and jobs here, while improving roads, cybersecurity and recycling efforts, too. This is more good news for the county, after we announced $16 million for high-speed internet access in Woodford last week!”
These announcements come just months after the Governor presented $3.6 million in Woodford County to support tourism, economic development, infrastructure, law enforcement, nonprofits and a local park, and a week after he announced $16 million in state and private investments to connect 1,850 homes and businesses in the county to high-speed internet.
"Working together works, and leadership matters," said Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay. "Woodford County's economy is growing, and we're building modern infrastructure to ensure a brighter future for our citizens."
Road Resurfacing
Gov. Beshear presented $90,000 for the city of Versailles to resurface part of Chinoe Road, and $92,000 for the county to resurface School House Road. Prior to this announcement, the last work on both of these roads was completed in 2012.
“As a dad, I know our kids are our most precious cargo,” Gov. Beshear said. “These awards will make a difference for the 1,100 students and staff currently using these roads, and the 1,900 future students and staff at the newly constructed high school. That’s on top of the hundreds of residents who use these roads daily.”
“I’m pleased with today’s announcement of grant funding to resurface roads and for the Woodford County Fiscal Court,” said Rep. Daniel Fister of Versailles. “Our fiscal court strengthens the community by setting policy, enacting ordinances, approving the budget and voting on fiscal matters which pertain to a variety of direct and indirect county services including roads, public safety, parks and recreation and human services. I’m excited to see the key role that water and wastewater will play in attracting future businesses to locate in Woodford County. I want to thank the Governor for announcing the grant funding made available by the General Assembly.”
“The discretionary funds that will be used to resurface Chinoe and School House Road will improve the area where the Woodford County Middle School is located new Woodford County High School is being constructed,” said Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott. “It is a critical area in the growth of our city and will have a large impact on the quality of life in Woodford County.”
Kentucky Product Development Initiative
Gov. Beshear presented $653,104 to Woodford County, in partnership with the city of Versailles to support a project that will provide water and wastewater improvements to an industrial site to attract future business. To learn more, see the full release on Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) awards.
“The KPDI award for the Edgewood Industrial Park is the result of cooperation among the city of Versailles and Woodford County governments,” Mayor Traugott said. “The improvements to the water and sewer system on that property has proven to be a game changer in making that property marketable and shovel ready.”
Energy and Environment Cabinet Awards
The Governor presented two awards to Woodford County from the Energy and Environment Cabinet: $31,573 to help Woodford County residents safely dispose of household hazardous waste, and more than $30,969 to support the county’s recycling efforts.
Cybersecurity Grant
Gov. Beshear also presented $42,141 in cybersecurity funding from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. This will help to develop a plan to implement identity and access management and endpoint management throughout Woodford County’s information technology environment. It will also add an active directory server and redundant cellular connectivity.
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