Kentucky Congressional Delegation Urges President Trump to Approve Kentucky’s Major Disaster Declaration

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) led the Kentucky Congressional Delegation in urging President Donald J. Trump to swiftly approve the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the devastating storms, flooding, tornadoes, and severe weather that struck communities across the Commonwealth between June 17 and June 30. The delegation’s letter expresses strong support for the Commonwealth’s request and asks for immediate federal assistance to help Kentucky families and communities recover. The prolonged weather event caused widespread damage across Kentucky, claiming the lives of six Kentuckians, including three residents of Madison County, while destroying homes, damaging businesses, washing out roads and bridges, and leaving thousands without power. Nineteen counties and thirteen cities declared states of emergency as multiple rounds of severe weather compounded the damage over nearly two weeks. The Commonwealth formally requested a Major Disaster Declaration on July 23. “Kentucky families have endured an extraordinary stretch of severe weather, and many communities are facing a long road to recovery,” said Congressman Barr. “The damage across Central Kentucky, especially in Madison County where lives were tragically lost and neighborhoods were devastated, underscores the urgent need for federal assistance. I’m joining together with the Kentucky Congressional Delegation to urge a swift approval of Kentucky’s disaster declaration request so that our communities have the resources they need to rebuild.” The delegation wrote to the President in part, “A total of 42 homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable, and over 100 businesses have been affected. Many roads, bridges, and electric infrastructure are severely damaged, causing a considerable economic impact across the state. Volunteers along with state and local emergency response organizations have been working tirelessly to clear debris and muck out flooded homes. However, with the recent string of disasters that Kentucky has faced, many disaster response teams in the state are fatigued and overwhelmed. Given the substantial damage and the challenges faced by state and local resources, we believe Federal assistance is necessary.” The Commonwealth’s request seeks federal Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation funding for affected Kentucky communities. ###