KENTUCKY — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has been elected by fellow Appalachian governors to serve as the 2023 Appalachian Regional Commission states’ co-chair. Beshear will work alongside ARC’s Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin and other Appalachian state governors to boost economic and community growth across the region.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Andy Beshear was elected to the position by fellow Appalachian state governors from both political parties

  • The states' co-chair will work in partnership with the federal co-chair and other Appalachian state governors to invest in economic and community growth opportunities in the region

  • Beshear will serve as commission’s 70th states’ co-chair and the first from Kentucky since his father, former Gov. Steve Beshear, served in the role in 2015

  • In 2022, the ARC says it invested $240 million through the Appalachian region, which attracted an additional $1.57 billion in private investments

As part of ARC’s unique federal-state partnership structure, Beshear will work collaboratively with the ARC federal co-chair and other governors to invest in growth across the region’s 423 counties in 13 states. In addition to facilitating ARC investments across the region, the states’ co-chair also hosts ARC’s annual conference.

Beshear will serve as commission’s 70th states’ co-chair and the first from Kentucky since his father, former Gov. Steve Beshear, served in the role in 2015. 

“I am honored to have been chosen by governors of both parties to co-chair the Appalachian Regional Commission. ARC investments are building better lives for current and future generations here in Kentucky and across the ARC region,” Beshear said. “Access to quality health care, a good paying job and clean water should not be determined by your zip code. I want to thank my fellow ARC governors for entrusting me with this role and look forward to continuing our important work together.” 

Manchin said it was an honor to welcome Beshear as the commission’s states’ co-chair. “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with him and all of our Appalachian governors as we advance ARC’s mission to bring economic parity and transformational opportunities to the region’s 26 million people.”

In 2022, the ARC says it invested $240 million through the Appalachian region, which attracted an additional $1.57 billion in private investments. The commission projects those investments will create or retain nearly 22,600 jobs, and providing training to over 41,500 students, workers and leaders for new opportunities in emerging sectors.

The announcement of Beshear’s election comes as the governor prepares for his State of the Commonwealth address, where he is expected to speak on historic investments across the state and a booming economy. Eastern Kentucky, the state’s Appalachian region, was wracked by flash flooding last summer. Many residents are still rebuilding their homes and getting their lives back.

To end the year, Beshear announced a long-term rebuilding plan for Knott County, which included plans to build homes, senior apartments, a park and an elementary school in Knott County. 

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