Saturday evening President Joe Biden approved the emergency declaration for the state of Kentucky, saying federal disaster assistance is being made available to the Commonwealth to supplement state and local recovery efforts.
Gov. Andy Beshear said he spoke directly to the President along with Homeland Security Secretary and Federal Emergency Management Agency as a request for the declaration on Saturday morning, just hours before the approval was made.
The funds will help recovery efforts, which started Saturday and will continue until finished.
“This will bring additional resources to Western Kentucky counties devastated by these tornadoes and allow for quicker reimbursements. I appreciate the President’s swift response during our time of need. Now we can get to work supporting our people as we recover,” Beshear said.
Along with the declaration, Beshear signed into effect an executive order against price gouging as a result of the storm.
The state also set up a fund for Kentucky residents and those outside the state to donate to. These funds are dedicated to helping the on-the-ground efforts the families need to rebuild.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75% federal funding to the commonwealth.
Damage was found in Breckenridge, Bullitt, Caldwell, Fulton, Graves, Grayson, Hickman, Hopkins, Lyon, Meade, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Shelby, Spencer and Warren counties.
“The damage is even worse now that we have first light. A couple places have been hit incredibly hard, certainly Mayfield here in Graves County, but everywhere along the line of this tornado that touched down and stayed down for 227 miles,” Beshear said.
Beshear noted ways the commonwealth can help those impacted by the storm.
The first way he said is to stay off the roads. This will make it easier for first responders to get to areas of need. Another way is to give blood as there is already a shortage since COVID-19 has come about.
