WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden issued a federal disaster declaration Friday in response to widespread flash flooding across Eastern Kentucky.
Officials say this is one of the quickest disaster declarations ever issued.
“Even as search and rescue efforts continue, this expedited disaster declaration from the President means federal assistance will be immediately available to help our people in Eastern Kentucky,” U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers said. “The work ahead is daunting for our communities and federal assistance will be critical for the long-term recovery process. I am grateful for the strong support of the entire Kentucky federal delegation in raising Gov. [Andy] Beshear’s prompt request to the President’s immediate attention. As we address the crises in each county, I will work diligently to ensure federal assistance is maximized for our communities.”
According to the President’s major disaster declaration, “federal funding is available to the commonwealth and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in the counties of Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, and Wolfe. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire commonwealth.”
Gov. Beshear said during a press conference Friday morning the state is also requesting assistance for individuals affected by flooding. That assistance would have to come from a separate declaration, once local governments are able to provide estimates of the damage.
