Washington, D.C. – Kentucky's federal delegation, including U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul, and Congressmen Hal Rogers (KY-05), John Yarmuth (KY-03), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Thomas Massie (KY-04), and James Comer (KY-01) sent a joint letter today to U.S. President Joe Biden expressing their support for Governor Andy Beshear's request for a 60-day extension for the ongoing 100% reimbursement to Kentucky for costs associated with storm debris removal and emergency protective measures for Kentucky communities hardest-hit by tornadoes and severe weather on December 10, 2021.
“State and local officials have expressed concern to us that the current 30-day period may not be sufficient in length for the scope of debris removal… As you know, Kentucky has also experienced several storms since those in early December, including a severe storm that swept across the state on January 1, 2022, impacting at least 31 counties and further complicating debris removal,” the delegation stated in their letter to the President. “Some of the same counties impacted by the December 10, 2021, tornadoes now face new debris and power outages after being struck by tornadoes, torrential rain and wind, and flash flooding. These state and local officials continue to be concerned that debris removal crews may not be available to remove the vast amount of debris within the 30-day window.”
Last month, President Biden announced during his visit to the storm-ravaged city of Mayfield that additional federal emergency aid provided to the Commonwealth would cover 100% of the cost associated with storm debris removal and emergency protective measures for a period of 30 days after the Major Disaster Declaration on December 12, 2021.
Click here to read the letter from the Kentucky delegation.