President Trump approves emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – On Friday, President Donald Trump approved Governor Andy Beshear’s request for a major disaster declaration for Kentucky in response to the devastating April floods.

In a statement, Congressman James Comer announced the approval, writing, “President Trump and his administration have taken decisive action today by approving a major disaster declaration for Kentucky, unlocking critical federal resources to support our communities in the wake of devastating flooding.”

Congressman Comer explained the federal declaration unlocks funding through the Individual Assistance (IA) program, enabling individuals affected by the flooding to receive reimbursement for essential expenses and serious needs not covered by insurance or other forms of aid.

“Eligible assistance may include rental support, home repairs or replacement, temporary lodging, and other critical expenses,” Congressman Comer wrote.

In a letter to President Trump on April 14, Congressman Comer says he and Kentucky’s federal delegation expressed their support for Governor Andy Beshear’s request for a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The request for a disaster declaration was the second that Governor Beshear has had to submit to the president so far this year.

Governor Beshear says FEMA’s response to February’s flooding was some of the best he’s seen.

“In total, families in 16 counties were deemed eligible for individual assistance, and 68 counties for public assistance. As of April 21st, FEMA has approved, for the February flooding, $36 million to assist more than 6,000 Kentucky households under the individual and households program,” said Governor Beshear.

Some counties impacted by this month’s flooding were not included in Governor Beshear’s initial request for the disaster declaration. Beshear has previously promised to amend the request to include other counties once approved by President Trump.

“What I’d tell those counties and those families is we want you to be a part too, we’re just following the process in the past that has given us the best chance for success but we see you and we hear you and we’re gonna do everything we can to fight to make sure that you’re included as well,” said Governor Beshear.

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