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Officials break ground on new driving skills pad for Kentucky State Police

Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Kentucky State Police Commissioner PJ Burnett, and others break ground on the new training site
Gov. Andy Beshear Youtube
Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Kentucky State Police Commissioner PJ Burnett, and others break ground on the new training site

Construction is underway on a new training facility for the Kentucky State Police. Officials broke ground late last week on a new $2.7 million driving skills pad.

During a recent press conference, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said this new facility will provide the KSP with the opportunity to make Kentucky safer.

“They will train in critical driving skills like high-speed pursuits and emergency response driving. These training exercises are designed to improve officer performance, reduce crashes, and enhance safety across the commonwealth,” she said.

Coleman said this facility will benefit more than just the Kentucky State Police.

“In true KSP fashion, the agency is collaborating by opening this facility to law enforcement from across Kentucky, saving them hours of travel for critical in-service training as well,” she said.

In a press release, Coleman said this is part of the effort to improve safety and law enforcement in Kentucky.

“The safety of our law enforcement heroes and our roadways is a top priority of Team Kentucky, and this project helps us make sure more Kentuckians get home safe,” Coleman said. “Thank you to those who helped us make this project a reality. This Skills Pad will build on the significant, meaningful progress we’ve made in recent years in creating a safer New Kentucky Home.”

The new facility is located at the agency’s training academy in Frankfort. Previously, the agency relied on borrowed facilities across Kentucky and in neighboring states to complete this training.

The new skills pad will allow troopers to train year-round at the academy.

The Drivers’ Skills Pad is expected to be completed by June 2026.

Stan Ingold is WEKU's former News Director. He left the station in April, 2026.
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