A new multi-agency state council is aimed at helping Kentucky communities recover from significant natural disasters. Governor Beshear last week established the Council for Community Recovery and Resiliency. State Department for Local Government Commissioner Tony Wilder says there's only so much initial emergency responders can do. "They'll go in an get utilities back on and telephones working again, but you have a tremendous void in, not only public services, but just providing housing and those kinds of things, so those are the long term things we're gonna address on this council in a more unified collegial way," said Wilder.
Wilder believes the council will take on increasing importance as the federal government is expected to raise its damage threshold for disaster declarations. "And so, that makes this council even more relevant for our state. If those federal thresholds are being raised, then this council is going to take on a whole new role in terms of being the primary source of helping those folks’ recovery," added Wilder.
Several state agencies and associations will serve on the Council for Community Recovery and Resiliency. It will help communities identify available technical and financial assistance through state and federal programs.
