State of the Commonwealth Address highlights Mayfield as part of the ‘New Kentucky Home’ | News

MAYFIELD, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear delivered the State of the Commonwealth Address on Wednesday, where he described a bright future for the state built on economic development, infrastructure improvements, bipartisan collaboration and mutual support across Kentucky.

Among local leaders Beshear recognized was Mayor Kathy O’Nan for her role in the ongoing rebuilding endeavors from the December 2021 tornado. He specifically highlighted the recent groundbreakings of the new city hall and Mayfield Police Department buildings in October.

On Monday, Jan. 13, Mayor O’Nan gave Governor Beshear a tour of the new Public Works Facility, which is the first municipal building to be completely reconstructed after the disaster. 

Contributed photo

He said strides like these are fulfilling goals for Kentucky as a center for  expansion. He noted new records in job creation, globalized business exports and tourism, and he emphasized projects enhancing roads, internet access, clean water and housing.

The focal point of Beshear’s message was introducing the world to the “New Kentucky Home,” which aims to ensure prosperity through unity and diligence.

Though Beshear spoke on behalf of the state, O’Nan said that small towns also exemplify these characteristics, such as Mayfield’s spirit in continued recovery from the disaster.

“It’s quite an honor after three years of recovery for the city of Mayfield to be at the forefront of his mind and the pride he feels in that recovery to be mentioned in the State of the Commonwealth Address,” O’Nan said. “I would be shocked if there was a community that Governor Beshear visited more in the last three years.”

O’Nan expressed gratitude for the state government that was steadfast in immediately facilitating rebuilding. She said that cities in other states affected by devastation have not been granted similar graces.

When the EF-4 tornado ravaged Mayfield, Beshear made a promise to rebuild every home and restore every life; the Team Western Kentucky Relief Fund has spurred the construction of more than 200 new homes in the region.

O’Nan outlined the $106.5 million in total state and federal funding channeled to Mayfield following the disaster:

• SAFE funds: $25.5 million for construction of new Mayfield Fire Department, Mayfield Police Department and city hall.
• RAISE grant: $25 million from U.S. Department of Transportation, $6.5 million from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
• Community Development Block Grant Program: $5.9 million for storm water retention and box culvert upgrades, $5.1 million for owner occupied housing, and $34.4 million for 122 rental units.
• State Legislature: $500,000 for the demolition of Hall Hotel.
• EDA Grant: $2,998,103 received by Mayfield Kentucky Industrial Authority for a Maker’s Space Facility.
• House Bill 723: $550,000 received by Mayfield Kentucky Industrial Authority for a Maker’s Space Facility.
• Red Cross: $150,000 received by Mayfield Kentucky Industrial Authority for a Maker’s Space Facility.

O’Nan said that Beshear has been sincerely attuned to the necessities of the community post-disaster, making it a priority for his administration through executive and legislative action.

Like Beshear underscored in his message, O’Nan hopes that the state’s outreach inspires the rest of the country to transcend political division and promote the well-being of all Americans despite party affiliation.

An overarching theme in Beshear’s address was relying on camaraderie to foster progress. O’Nan said that Mayfield, a historically tight-knit community, echoed this drive as residents unified to lift the city from the rubble.

O’Nan said that Mayfield will align with the thriving path that Beshear traced in his address. She mentioned the rebuilding of multiple churches, Mayfield Electric and Water Systems office, courthouse, city hall, police department and fire station.

She said that several downtown revitalization projects will soon come into fruition and reward the patience of the community, teasing what she described as a construction boom in 2025.

Will Spencer is a reporter for the Mayfield Messenger. Visit mayfield-messenger.com to read the full article.

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