The death toll has risen in the aftermath of flooding and a winter storm in Kentucky. Another person has been confirmed dead in Livingston County in western Kentucky, bringing the total up to 15.
State officials are moving recovery efforts out of the search and rescue phase as waters are receding and going into what they call the “stability” phase. During a press conference Thursday morning, Governor Beshear said he has had encouraging talks with state lawmakers on recovery efforts.
“Only positive things that'd I'd say, right now, waiting to get feedback from them, and wanting it to be a collaborative process. Because many of our legislators in leadership are from counties that have been impacted.”
The governor said the state legislature needs to take some action to help keep recovery efforts moving forward.
“We need an uncapping of the limitations on responding to natural disasters that was in the last budget for the first time, we think, ever. We're going to need some kind of SAFE Fund, to help in the aftermath, especially for cities, counties, and a couple of schools.”
The Governor said he is waiting on word from federal Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump on individual assistance for flood survivors through FEMA.
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