“We are going to get the job done”: Governor Beshear recalls devastating 2021 tornadoes in Western Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky (WTVQ)- It’s been two years since devastating tornadoes ripped through western Kentucky in December 2021, killing 81 people and damaging hundreds of homes and buildings.

The tornadoes hit Mayfield, Dawson Springs, and Bowling Green areas the hardest.

Now two years later, the rebuilding efforts continue. Governor Andy Beshear giving an update on the progress being made Sunday,  saying he visited areas on Saturday and helped dedicate multiple homes to residents.

The Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund contributed $1 million to support these homes, $100,000 per home.

He says progress continues to be made- as even more homes are being built and new jobs are coming to the area. Still he says there is a lot more work to be done.

“To see two years later, people back on their feet. New jobs in Mayfield. New opportunities coming in is really special. We have a long ways to go. One of the reasons I ran for reelection is I made a promise that we would get the entire job done. And over the next four years, we are going to get every home rebuilt, every life rebuilt, both in the east and the west, we are going to get the job done,” says Beshear.

More than $21.6 million has been committed from the fund to construct or repair 300 homes. The governor’s office says to date, 154 home-building projects have been completed, are under construction, or have been approved for construction.