FRANKFORT, Ky. — As expected, the East Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies, or EKSAFE, bill was signed into law Friday afternoon.
The bill was sailed through a streamlined special session of the General Assembly which began only two days earlier. It gathered only one “no” vote, by a legislator who said he objected to the shortened procedure.
The bill includes $200 million for repairs to public properties, including roads, bridges, schools and utilities, as well as another $12 million for water and sewer projects in flooded counties.
It also shortens the school year by 15 days and allows up to 20 more remote learning days in counties affected by the disaster.
Lawmakers said the package is only the first step in the legislature’s response to the disaster, and that additional steps will be taken as additional needs come to light.
