Gov. Bevin Receives Notification of Presidential Disaster Declaration for Eastern Kentucky Counties Impacted by Flooding

FRANKFORT, Kentucky, April 12 -- Gov. Matt Bevin, R-Kentucky, issued the following news:

Governor Matt Bevin today received notification that President Donald Trump has authorized assistance for certain Kentucky counties that suffered significant damage as a result of the severe flooding event from Feb. 9 through Feb. 14.

"We are grateful for this official declaration by the President, which will allow Eastern Kentucky counties to access federal assistance to repair local infrastructure damaged by heavy rainfall this winter," said Gov. Bevin. "Thanks to the collaborative efforts of local officials, Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), our affected communities are beginning the road to recovery."

The President's action grants public assistance to the 22 impacted counties to repair roads, bridges and other infrastructure. The declaration will also provide the Commonwealth with mitigation funds.

Counties included in this declaration include Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Metcalfe, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Whitley and Wolfe.

The severe weather system in mid-February produced strong winds and episodes of torrential rain which caused flooding, flash flooding, landslides and mudslides. Some impacted counties lost roadways, bridges and associated structures.

"Bringing federal assistance to Kentucky has been a team effort between our local, state and federal partners," said KYEM director Michael Dossett. "I am truly grateful that we can now begin the important process of moving recovery assistance into the declared areas."

Additional information about KYEM and FEMA's Public Assistance program can be found at http://kyem.ky.gov/recovery/Pages/Public-Assistance-Program-Overview.aspx