Gov. Andy Beshear gave an update on disaster recovery efforts during his regular media briefing Thursday.
In southern Kentucky, 28 households affected by May’s tornadoes are being housed in travel trailers and eight are staying in hotels. 47 households have transitioned out of the state’s sheltering program.
Contractors in Laurel County have collected more than 27,000 yards of debris. County officials are asking for approval from private citizens who want debris removed from their property.
Kentucky State Parks is also sheltering 131 people at four state parks. The Jenny Wiley campground is sheltering nearly 158.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says there are 13 road closures from April’s flooding across central and western Kentucky, mostly from mud and rockslides. The state estimates repairs across more than 300 damaged roads would cost $21.5 million.
During the briefing, Beshear called on the Trump administration to approve public disaster assistance for April floods and last month’s tornadoes.
Public FEMA assistance helps governments cover the costs for debris removal and restoring infrastructure. It’s different from individual assistance, which has been granted for each Kentucky disaster since February. It would cover around 75% of those costs.
Beshear said not getting that assistance would cost the state more than $200 million.
“That means, if we don't get a decision by the President to offer public assistance, we may not be able to run our housing program as long as we have in the past,” Beshear said.
FEMA has awarded around $2 million in individual assistance dollars to May’s tornado victims, and $24 million to victims of April’s floods.
The deadline for tornado victims to apply for assistance is July 23. The deadline for April flood victims to apply is July 25.
