Federal funds approved for Kentucky counties damaged by Memorial Day weekend storms
President Joe Biden on Wednesday approved a federal disaster declaration for Kentucky after a Memorial Day weekend storm killed six Kentuckians and left behind a trail of damage.
Assistance is available to residents of 15 counties spanning much of Kentucky: Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Clay, Greenup, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren and Whitley. The White House said individual assistance can include temporary housing and home repair grants, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help the recovery efforts for affected individuals and business owners.
More counties may still be added later, said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who submitted the request to federal officials.
“We will continue to push for as many as possible,” Beshear said in a news release.
Additionally, 58 counties are eligible for public assistance, which is available for local governments and private nonprofits on a cost-sharing basis. Those counties include Woodford, Laurel, Garrard, Rockcastle and Estill. For a full list, visit Kentucky.gov.
“That will help local governments and the state to rebuild after these damaging storms,” Beshear said.
Federal funding is also available statewide for cost-sharing on future flooding mitigation measures.
“I’m grateful that both President Biden came through for us once again and to our federal delegation, both Republican and Democrat, for supporting our request,” Beshear said. “Natural disasters aren’t red or blue. They’re not partisan at all, and it takes all of us working together to get these types of declarations, but more importantly, to help our families to rebuild and move forward.”
The storms this past May caused widespread power outages, broad destruction and impassable roads. Among the six people killed was a 67-year-old woman in Mercer County; a woman in Hardin County who was 62; a 48-year-old woman in Hopkins County; a 34-year-old man in Jefferson County and a 54-year-old man from Caldwell County.
Lexington and much of Central Kentucky dodged the worst of the violent storms. There were some power outages, downed branches and pounding rain, but residents here missed much of the destruction seen around the Commonwealth.
How to apply for assistance
Residents and business owners who suffered storm damage in the designated areas can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App.
Beshear’s office said anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service or captioned telephone service, can give FEMA the number for that service.
FEMA’s E. Craig Levy Sr. has been appointed to coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
