AGP Executive Report

Medical Cannabis Rules: Kentucky’s July 1 change ends out-of-state purchasing protections for cardholders, tightening access to in-state products as the regulated market ramps up. Energy & Utilities: With extreme heat stressing grids and equipment, Kentucky Utilities suspended disconnections, while lawmakers debate LIHEAP funding and a proposed Trump budget could cut cooling help for Kentuckians. Infrastructure & Construction: KYTC is rolling out multiple road work plans, including intersection changes in Muhlenberg County and ongoing bridge repairs funded through Team Kentucky, with Daviess and Calloway counties each receiving major bridge grants. Local Safety & Services: Calloway County Sheriff’s Office lists planned traffic safety checkpoints, and West Kentucky Allied Services teamed with Atmos Energy for natural gas utility assistance to restore service for customers facing disconnects. Workforce & Education: Simpson County Schools earned national recognition across all campuses, and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet updates show continued maintenance and construction impacts for the July 5–11 week. Business & Growth: A new $5M Purple Toad Winery & Distillery location opens in Bowling Green, adding a hospitality venue for weddings and events. Agriculture & Rural Tech: Kentucky’s agriculture education gets a boost as an FFA advisor wins the Golden Owl Award, while the state’s broader farm economy faces ongoing uncertainty. Public Safety in Heat: Horse racing at Ellis Park was postponed due to heat-index rules aimed at protecting horses.

Transportation & Bridges: KYTC is posting fresh traffic impacts for July 2-10, including I-165 bridge work in Butler County with a new traffic pattern and 55 mph limit, plus KY 90 corridor improvements in Barren County and resurfacing lane closures on KY 2068 in Logan County. Local Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Beshear announced $5.5M for bridge repairs/replacements across eight counties and two cities, including a Grant County Fords Mills Road bridge replacement. Energy & Data Centers: A heat dome is pushing the grid to emergency levels; federal orders authorize PJM to require data centers and other large users to switch to backup power if needed. State Parks Tourism: Kentucky State Parks generated $1.1B in economic impact in 2024, supporting 8,600 jobs, with 9.3M visitors. Manufacturing & Packaging: Ineos Styrolution, International Paper, and Smurfit Westrock are among firms planning shutdowns, including a Richwood, KY facility closure. Food Safety: FDA classified a Zapp’s/Dirty potato chip recall as Class I for salmonella risk, and separate recalls hit fresh-cut melons and peaches sold in Kentucky. Politics & Governance: After a Kentucky Supreme Court ruling, the Kentucky State Fair Board removed Kentucky Venues CEO David Beck and named Mike Berry interim CEO. Workforce & Training: Kentucky State University won a $2M ARC POWER grant to build a restoration workforce center in Eastern Kentucky.

Energy Assistance: West Kentucky Allied Services teamed with Atmos Energy for a natural gas bill help event in Paducah, offering first-come help for customers facing disconnections or notices. Workforce & Training: Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is launching an advanced manufacturing program, AIRT, built around automation, industrial robotics, mechatronics, and instrumentation—aimed at employer-driven skills. Manufacturing Growth: Endries International is expanding in Kentucky via its acquisition of Blue Chip Engineered Products, a custom fasteners and components provider in Erlanger. Infrastructure & Shipping: Rep. James Comer announced a $24M BUILD grant to extend Paducah’s Riverport West project, boosting shipment capacity for manufactured goods and agriculture. Transportation: I-64 East paving starts next week with overnight alternating lane closures in Franklin County through July 21. Agriculture Economy: Lawmakers heard interim updates on Kentucky agriculture—steady cash receipts but pressure from costs, weak grain prices, and liquidity concerns. Utilities & Affordability: Kentucky ranked 25th for electricity costs, with projected increases into 2026.

EV Charging Expansion: Kempower and PowerUp America opened a new high-performance EV charging site in Manchester, KY, with four Flex Satellites offering both NACS and CCS1 plugs and up to 800 kW. Appalachian Workforce & Industry: SOAR is bringing back TenTalks for its 2026 summit in Corbin (Oct. 7–9), with short, practical talks aimed at issues like industrial recruitment, workforce training, broadband, tourism, and entrepreneurship. Urban Agriculture Training: Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension launched a free urban horticulture program—workshops and hands-on training on production and market risk management for small-scale and home growers. Heat & Livestock: Kentucky producers are being warned that summer heat stress can cut feed intake and weight gains in beef cattle; guidance includes shade, clean water, cooler feeding times, and avoiding handling during peak heat. Healthcare Operations: Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center earned CIHQ disease-specific certification in joint replacement and spine surgery. Grocery Deal: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle in a $1.65B deal, expanding its footprint across Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic markets. Solar Trade Scrutiny: Waaree responded after U.S. Customs and Border Protection flagged potential AD/CVD duty evasion tied to certain solar imports, saying CBP’s determination is limited and not final. Construction & Community Investment: House Bill 900 directs $10M to build a new Lebanon elementary school in Marion County. Agriculture Research Event: UK will host a Fragipan Field Day (July 29) to show how annual ryegrass cover crops can help break down Kentucky’s restrictive fragipan soils.

College & Workforce: UK opened its $60M Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building, adding classrooms and student support for ag, biotech, natural resources and companion animal programs. Sports & Talent Pipeline: WKU won its first-ever national concrete canoe championship, with an Owensboro native co-captaining the winning team. Energy Costs & Utility Policy: Consumer and clean-energy groups urged the Kentucky Public Service Commission to study what’s driving rising utility bills, including impacts from data centers and fossil fuels. Rural Business Support: REAP continues to back rural upgrades and renewable projects, with Amteck celebrating a large REAP graduation class. Infrastructure & Water: Liberty (Casey County) secured $12.5M to double wastewater treatment capacity, while Liberty also advanced a plan to pump water from the Green River to stabilize drought-strained Lake Liberty. Transportation: I-65 bridge work in Louisville is progressing, with a two-mile southbound section reopening ahead of schedule. Economic Development Sites: Liberty-Casey EDA is exploring repurposing land once planned for an airport to attract new employers and create about 150 jobs. Data Centers & Local Control: U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie says Kentucky communities should protect residents but avoid a blanket data-center moratorium that could hurt AI competitiveness.

Energy & Jobs: East Kentucky Power Cooperative broke ground on Liberty Station, a 214-megawatt natural gas plant in Casey County, aiming to start up in late 2028 and hire 23 full-time workers. Transportation & Construction: KYTC says work at the Slate Branch/Ky. 914 intersection is still on track for a July 31 completion, even with rain delays pushing past July 4. Rural Agriculture Tech: USDA’s Farm Service Agency is rolling out an acreage reporting modernization pilot to move producers off paper maps and cut paperwork, with July 15 a key deadline for many crops. Workforce Development: The Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board won a three-year National Dislocated Worker Grant to retrain nearly 300 laid-off workers, including from BlueOval SK Battery Park and Akebono. Local Business & Retail: Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, a Northern Kentucky mobile franchise, landed on Entrepreneur’s 2026 list of New and Emerging Franchises, with plans to top 400 trucks nationwide this year. Community & Culture: Paducah installed the sixth Quilt City USA Murals piece—“Nautical Stars”—marking America250 on the Floodwall. Policy Watch: The Trump administration sued Kentucky and other states seeking SNAP eligibility and benefit records, arguing it could reveal billions tied to overpayments and fraud.

Renewables & Manufacturing: Waaree Solar Americas says it won a 236.22 MW utility-scale solar module supply contract for a Flemingsburg, Kentucky project, with modules made in its Brookshire, Texas facility—another sign of growing demand for domestically built solar gear. Food Safety: USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for Private Selection Honey Dijon Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer in multiple states, including Kentucky, due to an undeclared egg allergen tied to mislabeling; consumers are told to discard or return affected lots. Public Health & Work: UK experts on “Behind the Blue” share a summer travel and family safety survival guide, including vaccine planning and practical steps for ticks, sun, and injuries. Legal & Social Services: The DOJ sued Kentucky and three other states to force release of SNAP applicant data, arguing it’s needed to detect fraud and waste—setting up a major fight over state control of sensitive records. Infrastructure & Industry: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet work continues on the I-65 Central Corridor Project in Louisville, with a southbound stretch reopening ahead of schedule.

Data Centers & Local Control: A developer is challenging Cave City’s 12-month data center moratorium in court, seeking to lift the ban over a proposed gigawatt-scale campus tied to plans for 380 acres in Barren County. Manufacturing & Jobs: International Paper says it will close or convert four U.S. facilities, including ceasing preprint operations at a Richwood, Kentucky site, affecting 20 workers there. Food Safety: USDA issued a public health alert for mislabeled raw chicken breast products shipped to Kroger and Fred Meyer stores, including in Kentucky, warning consumers to throw away or return the affected Private Selection Honey Dijon chicken. Energy & Consumer Tech: Duke Energy is rolling out an AI “Bill Insights” tool in its app to explain what’s driving summer power costs. Flood Risk & Resilience: Neptune Insurance doubled flood policy limits on many products, raising caps up to $15 million, as Kentucky continues to deal with deadly flooding. Transportation & Construction: Brent Spence Corridor work is triggering a series of ramp closures and detours affecting Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati-area traffic. Workforce & Industry Growth: 502 Film is taking applications for its 10-day Front Porch Film Lab in Louisville to help Kentucky filmmakers build short-form projects and careers. Governance: Kentucky Supreme Court backed Gov. Beshear against GOP lawmakers’ efforts to shift executive powers.

Severe Flood Response: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky flooding has killed four people, with up to 8 inches of rain in some areas, more than 63 rescues/evacuations, and 18 local emergency declarations; he’s moving to request federal public and individual assistance and signed an order for emergency pharmacy refills. Public Safety & Infrastructure: KYTC reports two lanes of I-65 South in Louisville reopened ahead of schedule (University Blvd to I-264), plus several ramps, as crews continue work on the remaining closure. Search & Recovery: The search for missing 19-year-old Marly Kinney ended with her body recovered near Grayson Lake; authorities say the case remains under investigation, while a boat captain arrested on a BUI charge is being handled separately. Emergency Preparedness: Ham radio operators demonstrated emergency communications at Murray State University’s Amateur Radio Club Field Day event, emphasizing decentralized backup when other systems fail. Industrial/Workplace Conditions: A report highlights a federal repair backlog—leaks, broken elevators, and other hazards—driven by slow approvals and maintenance funding bottlenecks.

Severe Weather & Public Safety: Gov. Andy Beshear declared a statewide emergency after flash flooding killed four people in Kentucky, with up to 8 inches of rain reported in some areas; officials say dozens of rescues and evacuations are underway, local governments across multiple counties activated emergency measures, and an order allows emergency pharmacy refills while price-gouging complaints route to the attorney general. Manufacturing & Packaging: International Paper says it will close its Aurora, Illinois sheet plant, wind down converting in Elk Grove, California and Barrington, New Jersey, and end preprint work in Richwood, Kentucky—targeting completion by the end of Q3 2026 as it streamlines its North America packaging footprint. Food Industry Compliance: USDA issued a public health alert for Private Selection raw chicken breasts in Kentucky and other states due to an undeclared egg allergen, urging consumers to check “best if used by” June 28, 2026 products. Energy & Industrial Tech: Space Tango announced a $7.4 million Lexington HQ expansion tied to 25 new high-wage jobs, adding to Kentucky’s momentum in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Infrastructure & Transportation: KYTC updates point to ongoing I-65 lane reopening progress and other roadwork changes as crews respond to damage and keep traffic moving.

Severe Weather & Flood Response: Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency as heavy rain and flooding hit Kentucky, with officials warning people to avoid driving after dark; reports include multiple rescues and at least four confirmed deaths, while several counties activated local states of emergency. Transportation & Infrastructure: KYTC paused a plan to reconfigure the Clark Memorial Bridge (Second Street Bridge) after engineers found new structural damage, keeping lane plans in flux while major I-65 work continues. Manufacturing & Jobs: Dow announced about a $100M expansion of specialty silicones capacity, including a Carrollton, Kentucky project expected to come online in 2027 to support mobility, electronics, and medical applications. Food & School Operations: A new school food director was named in Monroe County Schools, bringing HACCP/ServSafe credentials and food-safety experience into district meal operations. Local Industry & Community Events: Kentucky Craft Bash returned to Louisville’s Waterfront Park, with 50+ Kentucky breweries pouring about 150 samples and proceeds supporting the Kentucky Guild of Brewers. Public Safety Incident: A 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with boating under the influence after a 19-year-old woman went missing during a Grayson Lake outing, with drones and K9 units used in the search. Education & Engineering Talent: Western Kentucky University won its first Society-wide concrete canoe championship at the ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championships, highlighting Kentucky’s engineering pipeline.

Energy Efficiency & Schools: SWEPCO delivered a $49,505.62 incentive check to Kilgore ISD for energy-efficient lighting and HVAC at its new high school, targeting nearly 400,000 kWh in annual savings. Manufacturing & Jobs: Dow is investing about $100 million through 2027 to expand specialty silicones, including liquid silicone rubber in Carrollton, KY, with demand tied to mobility, electronics, and medical uses. Public Safety & Weather: Gov. Andy Beshear declared a Kentucky state of emergency as flooding and severe storms hit, urging residents to avoid driving and keeping 911 lines open. Transportation & Construction: KYTC paused a Clark Memorial Bridge lane reconfiguration idea while it pushes through I-65 work, responding to local concerns about traffic impacts. Federal Food Policy: DOJ sued Kentucky and three other states to force SNAP applicant data handover to USDA, escalating a fight over control of sensitive benefits records. Space Economy: Lexington-based Space Tango plans a $7.4 million expansion and 25 jobs after KEDFA preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive deal. Water Infrastructure: Eastern Kentucky counties Knott, Perry, and Wolfe are set to receive over $6 million for water and wastewater upgrades via the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Fund.

Agriculture & Food: UK’s Martin-Gatton College will host its Corn, Soybean and Tobacco Field Day July 21 in Princeton, with tours and research updates for growers and agribusiness. Farm Economics: Kentucky farmers are feeling the squeeze as input costs rise and farm bankruptcies hit a six-year high, with higher fertilizer and fuel prices tied to global shipping disruptions. Public Health: USDA issued a health alert for misbranded raw boneless chicken breast sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer in nine states, including Kentucky, due to an undeclared allergen (eggs). State Government: Kentucky Supreme Court struck down 2021 and 2022 laws that shifted appointment and oversight powers away from Gov. Andy Beshear, citing unconstitutional fragmentation of executive accountability. Transportation: KYTC paused a plan to reduce the Clark Memorial Bridge from four lanes to three after inspectors found additional sidewalk/structural damage, raising concerns about traffic impacts. Local Infrastructure: Henry County approved an $8.8M budget and earmarked $1.3M for a sewer project. Veterans Care: A new Elizabethtown VA outpatient clinic broke ground to expand access for Kentucky veterans. Energy/Industry: TVA signaled it prefers to keep two Tennessee coal plants operating longer, citing demand and regulatory changes.

Transportation & Infrastructure: Louisville’s I-65 Central Corridor project is moving faster than planned: two southbound lanes from University Boulevard to I-264/Watterson Expressway reopen by 6 a.m. Monday, June 29, along with four ramps (Crittenden Drive plus on-ramps from Eastern Parkway and University Boulevard), while the stretch from Jefferson Street to University Boulevard stays closed. Manufacturing & Investment: Dow says it’s targeting about $100 million in specialty silicone investments through 2027, including expanded liquid silicone rubber production at its Carrollton, Kentucky site. Energy & Policy: Kentucky’s Supreme Court struck down parts of GOP-backed laws that shifted appointment powers away from Gov. Andy Beshear, ruling they violate the state constitution’s accountability chain. Workforce & Education: Goodwill of Kentucky’s Excel Center held its graduation for 100+ adult learners, highlighting tuition-free pathways to diplomas, certifications, and college credit. Public Health: USDA FSIS issued a health alert for Kroger Private Selection Honey Dijon boneless chicken breasts sold in Kentucky and other states due to undeclared eggs. Agriculture & Research: Kentucky State’s soil erosion research plots are being spotlighted as a long-running land-grant “living laboratory” linking field conservation work to student learning and extension outreach.

Food Safety: USDA issued a health alert for “PRIVATE SELECTION Honey Dijon Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat” sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer, citing misbranding and an undeclared egg allergen (no confirmed reactions reported). SNAP Watch: USDA’s latest SNAP payment error-rate report shows Kentucky among the more accurate states at 4.7%, while South Dakota leads at 2.47%; the findings feed into new cost-sharing rules for states with higher error rates. Local Governance: Sakeliga’s Christo Bester urged residents to scrutinize municipal accounts and use formal channels to fight service failures and corruption. Manufacturing/Jobs: Ford is considering a $2B expansion at the Kentucky Truck Plant in east Louisville, potentially adding manufacturing space and jobs (still in evaluation). Infrastructure Funding: Louisville’s One Park cleared a key hurdle with $62M in state tax financing approval, aimed at supporting a parking garage and broader development. Workplace Safety: A push is growing in Washington to reject proposed OSHA funding cuts that would reduce staffing for worker protections. Agriculture: A UK-linked conservation leader, Barry Fisher, was recognized for decades of soil health work, including early adoption of cover crops and no-till.

Aerospace & Jobs: Gov. Beshear says Space Tango will expand its Lexington operations with a $7.4M investment and 25 new high-wage jobs, leasing and developing a larger Greyline Station facility with mission operations, labs, engineering offices, and machine/testing space. Economic Development: Beshear also announced $6.1M in state support through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative for site and building work in Cumberland, Fayette, Madison, Russell and Scott counties, including utility and infrastructure upgrades tied to industrial parks. Manufacturing Incentives: Ford’s Louisville Truck Plant expansion—potentially up to $2B—got a state incentive boost, following land purchases in 2025 tied to the project. Construction & Finance: Louisville’s One Park cleared a major hurdle with up to $62M in state TIF incentives for the $1.4B mixed-use development near Cherokee Park. Workplace Safety: Public Citizen urges Congress to reject proposed OSHA funding cuts, warning reduced enforcement could endanger workers. Public Policy & Food Aid: USDA reports SNAP payment errors hit $10.1B in fiscal 2025, and states with high error rates could face new penalties starting in 2027. Local Land Use: Woodford County moved to block data center development in unincorporated areas via a draft ordinance, citing energy and resource strain concerns. Community & Workforce: WKU reached financial close on a $350M student housing partnership, and Paducah updated zoning rules to accommodate qualified manufactured homes under new state requirements.