|
Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear Announces Three Counties to Receive Federal Disaster Relief after June Storms
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Steve Beshear today announced federal disaster assistance is now available to residents and businesses in three southeastern Kentucky counties for damages caused by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that hit the Commonwealth from June 19-23.
Bell, Knox and Perry counties are designated for Individual Assistance to recover from the June floods. This is the 10th federally declared disaster in Kentucky since 2008.
“Time and again, my administration has worked hard to provide assistance to struggling communities around the state after severe storms, and the June storm is no different,” Gov. Beshear said. “Now that citizens in these counties have received notification, they can continue to repair and rebuild their communities knowing they will receive relief funds.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individual Assistance program became available as part of the July 25 Public Assistance disaster declaration signed by President Obama.
Gov. Beshear requested assistance on July 13 after severe thunderstorms rolled through multiple eastern Kentucky counties in late June, causing flash flooding, hail, and high winds which caused damage to public and private property. One death was attributed to the storms.
After the storms, Gov. Beshear immediately requested joint federal, state, and local surveys of the damaged areas. These estimates, which are the foundation for any disaster declaration request, were completed in mid-July. At that time, evaluation teams estimated public sector damages were in excess of $5.7 million. Teams also identified more than 350 homes and 65 businesses which were heavily damaged or destroyed.
This is the second major disaster declaration Gov. Beshear has requested this year. Severe storms and flooding across the state in May caused evacuations and significant property damage, particularly in western Kentucky.
FEMA's program includes a wide range of grants for Kentuckians, including emergency home repair, temporary housing, and grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance
"We know there are families in these three counties who need help recovering from these storms," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Moore. "Now those folks can seek help from FEMA."
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and does not compensate eligible applicants for their entire losses. FEMA disaster aid is generally offered in the form of grants that do not have to be paid back.
Registration is required to be eligible for disaster assistance consideration. Kentuckians can register with FEMA by calling this toll-free number: 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Registration also can be made anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov or through smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.
###
|