Biden approves major disaster declaration for Kentucky counties hit hard by February storms
President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for counties in Eastern Kentucky affected by flooding in February.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will use Public Assistance federal funding to "supplement recovery efforts" in areas that experienced "severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides," a Wednesday release said. The money will be made available to the commonwealth, eligible local governments and some private nonprofit organizations "on a cost-sharing basis."
Analysis: Here's who has filled the coffers of Kentucky's primary candidates for governor
The money will be designated for "emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities" as well as "hazard mitigation measures," the release said.
The following counties are eligible for assistance: Bell, Breathitt, Caldwell, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Floyd, Harlan, Hart, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Whitley and Wolfe.
Other designations may be made if the state requests them and they are approved after more assessment, the release said.
Heavy rains and severe storms rocked Eastern Kentucky in mid February, causing damage in some of the same areas affected by a devastating flood that killed dozens last summer. The severe weather caused several counties to declare a state of emergency, including Letcher County, one of the most affected areas from last year's events, WYMT reported.
High water caused several road and school closures, and near 60 mph straight-line winds took the roof off a building in Russell County. A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesperson said that crews removed debris after a rockslide between Jackson and Beattyville, according to a report from LEX18.
More: New boutique 65-room hotel coming to Baxter Avenue in the Highlands. Take a peek inside
Contact reporter Rae Johnson at RNJohnson@gannett.com. Follow them on Twitter at @RaeJ_33
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky flooding: Biden approves funding for counties hit in February
