Press Releases
Today, in support of Governor Beshear’s July 21, 2010 request for a federal disaster declaration, U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) and the entire Kentucky Congressional Delegation sent a letter to President Obama urging him to designate Pike County as a federal disaster area. On July 17, 2010 Pike County experienced torrential rain and flash flooding which overwhelmed the area. The Commonwealth of Kentucky and Pike County Judge Executive have already declared a state of emergency in this area. If federal disaster assistance is made available, eligible families and communities devastated by the severe flash flooding may receive relief.
“The flash flooding in Pike County is absolutely devastating. My prayers go out to those who lost loved ones in this horrendous disaster,” said Rogers. “I want to assure the people of Pike County that they will not be forgotten. I, along with my colleagues, will remain vigilant and utilize every available resource so that homes can be rebuilt, businesses can be re-opened, and families can begin to heal from this tragic flood. I know that many challenges lie ahead, but I will continue to press the President for help and work with local organizations to deliver much needed supplies to the region.”
Following a major incident, state and federal officials conduct a preliminary damage assessment (PDA) to estimate the extent of the disaster and its impact on individuals and public facilities. State officials have indicated that Federal Emergency Management Agency damage assessment teams are currently in Kentucky conducting evaluations. The Governor's initial request letter of July 21, 2010 indicates that this flood and high-water disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of state and local governments and that federal assistance is necessary. Based on the Governor's request, the President may declare that a major disaster or emergency exists, thus activating an array of federal programs to assist in the response and recovery effort.
Several other counties in the region were also impacted from the storms, and the letter today urges the President to consider additional designations in a timely manner should Governor Beshear request those in the future.
“The flash flooding in Pike County is absolutely devastating. My prayers go out to those who lost loved ones in this horrendous disaster,” said Rogers. “I want to assure the people of Pike County that they will not be forgotten. I, along with my colleagues, will remain vigilant and utilize every available resource so that homes can be rebuilt, businesses can be re-opened, and families can begin to heal from this tragic flood. I know that many challenges lie ahead, but I will continue to press the President for help and work with local organizations to deliver much needed supplies to the region.”
Following a major incident, state and federal officials conduct a preliminary damage assessment (PDA) to estimate the extent of the disaster and its impact on individuals and public facilities. State officials have indicated that Federal Emergency Management Agency damage assessment teams are currently in Kentucky conducting evaluations. The Governor's initial request letter of July 21, 2010 indicates that this flood and high-water disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of state and local governments and that federal assistance is necessary. Based on the Governor's request, the President may declare that a major disaster or emergency exists, thus activating an array of federal programs to assist in the response and recovery effort.
Several other counties in the region were also impacted from the storms, and the letter today urges the President to consider additional designations in a timely manner should Governor Beshear request those in the future.