Lexington, KY– Today, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for the state of Kentucky that was put forth as a result of significant winter weather in February. From February 8 to February 19, 2021 the state, especially eastern Kentucky, experienced severe winter weather events that resulted in widespread damage to infrastructure and thousands without electricity.
Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) supported and pushed for the approval of this federal disaster declaration in a letter sent to President Biden along with Congressman Barr’s colleagues in the Kentucky Congressional Delegation.
Bath, Clark, Estill, Fleming, Madison, Menifee, Montgomery, Nicholas, Powell, and Wolfe Counties in the Sixth Congressional District will now receive federal resources to aide in the recovery efforts from these ice storms. A second request for a federal disaster declaration is being finalized by the Commonwealth to assist in recovery efforts following floods in early March that caused severe damage to many communities in Kentucky.
“I have seen firsthand the resilience of my fellow Kentuckians as so many of my constituents battled ice storms and floods over the last month,” said Congressman Barr. “When I visited counties impacted by these severe weather events, I promised my constituents that I would fight for federal resources to assist in the recovery efforts.
“Today, President Biden approved the first of two disaster declaration requests. This will provide much needed relief for communities in my District and around the Commonwealth that were impacted by the February ice storms,” Barr continued. “As soon as the Commonwealth submits a request for a federal disaster designation for the recent floods, I plan on fully supporting and advocating for that request as well. In the meantime, my Office is always a resource for constituents who need help and I will continue to travel to impacted communities to assist in the recovery efforts.”
This declaration provides federal funding from FEMA for the Commonwealth and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms, landslides and mudslides. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire Commonwealth. More information on this declaration can be found here.