In the first six months of this year, Kentucky was hit with three federally declared natural disasters. Between flooding in February and April, and tornadoes in May, the Commonwealth has been working to bring disaster recovery to everyone who was affected.
Governor Andy Beshear recently announced there are many disaster recovery centers in the affected areas where people can get federal and state support. A total of 34 disaster recovery centers have been opened after the three events. Beshear said these locations are a part of getting the state back on track, but federal help is also necessary.
“We need the federal government to step up and to say they’re going to be there for our state, our cities, and our counties, in our toughest of moments. They’re going to what every other administration, democrat or republican, has done. It’s not just us, it’s other states that have been through natural disasters that have not, since the February flooding event, received an approval of public assistance,” said Beshear.
Beshear said the President has yet to approve public assistance for the April and May events, which is integral in debris removal, the state’s housing assistance program, and maintaining public infrastructure. Beshear added transportation is among the public resources impacted by disasters.
“When we look at impacts to our roads and bridges, it is still the April flooding that is impacting us the most. Currently, there are 13 road closures, mainly from mud and rockslides. Three closed bridges. Our crews have assessed 300 other damaged locations with initial repair estimates topping $21.5 million. That’s just in transportation,” said Beshear.
Beshear said the withheld federal public assistance funds are necessary, not just for Kentucky, but for other states that have yet to receive critical disaster support.
Disaster Recovery Centers are open statewide from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays from 1 to 7 p.m., local time.