Owensboro is taking steps to recover from spring flooding that damaged parts of the City, approving an agreement Tuesday that opens the door to federal disaster relief funds. The move allows officials to apply for FEMA reimbursement to repair areas such as the McConnell Plaza riverbank.
City Manager Nate Pagan said the funding stems from flooding and storm damage on April 2, which led to a federal disaster declaration.
“As I’m sure everyone will remember, back in April we had some severe weather and flooding,” Pagan said during Tuesday’s City Commission meeting. “That event did trigger a disaster declaration. This municipal order authorizes us to participate in the FEMA funding related to that. We had some damage along the bank and McConnell Plaza area, so we’re seeking federal funding to address that.”
The order authorizes Mayor Tom Watson to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs, Division of Emergency Management, establishing the terms for receiving Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program (PAP) grant funding.
The FEMA Public Assistance Program provides federal reimbursement for repair, replacement, or restoration of public facilities damaged during declared disasters. The agreement between the City and the State outlines eligibility requirements and procedures for accessing the funds, which are administered by the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management on behalf of FEMA.
The statewide FEMA DR-4864 declaration covers damages from heavy rain, flash flooding, and mudslides that impacted dozens of Kentucky counties beginning April 2.
The total contract for recovery under the program is capped at $300 million, with local governments and eligible nonprofits able to apply for reimbursement of qualified expenses.
Owensboro’s approval Tuesday allows city staff to move forward with submitting claims for local damage repair and restoration.
