Biden declares disaster in Kentucky, clearing way for federal money after storms
President Joe Biden approved Wednesday a federal disaster declaration in Kentucky, freeing up federal assistance for the state after severe ice storms that crippled parts of the commonwealth for weeks earlier this year.
The federal money will be available to the state and eligible local governments, plus certain private non-profit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms, landslides, and mudslides from Feb. 8 to Feb. 19 in 44 counties, according to an announcement from the White House.
Bath, Boyd, Boyle, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Garrard, Greenup, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Lewis, Lincoln, Madison, Magoffin, Marion, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Nelson, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Wayne, Whitley and Wolfe counties are eligible.
Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration applied for federal disaster assistance, and local and federal representatives in Kentucky advocated for Biden to approve the declaration.
The storm caused long power outages in some counties. “Damages assessed by state, local and federal representatives are projected to exceed $30 million,” according to the governor’s office.
Eligible applicants can apply for a loan directly through FEMA. Eligible private non-profit organizations include educational, utility, irrigation, emergency, medical and rehabilitation operations, according to FEMA. Other private non-profit facilities that provide essential services of a governmental nature to the general public can also apply, according to FEMA.
Non-profits that provide “critical services” (power, water, communications and emergency medical care) may apply for a disaster grant.
All other private non-profits must first apply to the Small Business Administration for a disaster loan. The Small Business Administration provides loans for physical damage, mitigation assistance and economic injury.
Federal money is also available on a cost-sharing basis for “hazard mitigation measures” for the entire state, according to Biden’s administration.
In addition to ice storm damages, the state plans to seek a federal disaster declaration for March flooding, the governor’s office said. Damage estimates have been completed for more than 2,100 homes. Estimates for damages to public infrastructure also were in the works.
This story was originally published April 1, 2021 at 7:33 AM.