Nearly three months after a string of severe weather in the Commonwealth, Governor Andy Beshear announced the federal government has approved funding for 100 counties affected last April and May.
Beshear said this funding is a crucial component for the state to help rebuild areas that were hit the hardest by flooding and tornadoes. The aid is also being used to help fund new affordable housing for victims who lost their homes in the severe weather.
“To highlight the importance of Public Assistance funds from FEMA following natural disasters, we broke ground in Floyd County on another high ground community,’ said Beshear. “These are the communities that we are building above the flood plain; many on abandoned coal mines to where the folks of eastern Kentucky will never flood again.”
Beshear said it’s important for Kentuckians who have been affected by natural disasters to understand there are resources available to them. He added having a place to call home is essential for all people of the Commonwealth.
“A home is a lot more than four walls. It’s a place where people make those memories. We’re going to keep rebuilding and were going to make sure every family, every single one, gets back up on their feet,” said the Governor.
Additionally, 56 households affected by the tornadoes in May have transitioned out of the Commonwealth Sheltering Program and into housing where they can support themselves.
Beshear also announced the deadline to apply for Individual Assistance has been extended to August 22nd. Since the Commonwealth received approval, FEMA has disbursed over $2.8 million in assistance.