The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied Public Assistance this week for two Kentucky counties – Simpson and Woodford – stemming from flooding that occurred in February. Six counties – Butler, Franklin, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence and Whitley – were denied federal help from the Individual Assistance program.
“While we are grateful to have gotten an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for the February flooding, which has authorized at least some level of public assistance for local governments in 68 counties and individual assistance for Kentuckians in 16 counties, we are disappointed to receive this latest news,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release. “We are actively comparing the damage assessments, and we plan to appeal this decision.”
Kentucky isn’t alone in receiving a “no” from FEMA. Word that some West Virginia counties were also denied help from the February flooding and Arkansas was denied federal disaster relief for severe storms and tornadoes that hit in March is concerning for Beshear.
Kentucky is waiting for a decision regarding its federal disaster request for April’s widespread flooding, which continues to affect many counties and residents.
“I know that we have sustained enough damage in that April flooding for not just the initial counties that we applied for but many more to receive aid,” Beshear said. “Our people are counting on the federal government and are counting on the President to sign that declaration so they can get the help that they need.”
Beshear said this week that the Transportation Cabinet continues to conduct road inspections and damage surveys from the recent flooding. According to preliminary reports, 147 roadways were damaged by flooding and mud slides.
Photo caption: Flooding in Hopkinsville, KY; Photo by Sarah Toby courtesy the National Weather Service
