Press Releases
Yesterday, in support of Governor Beshear’s request for a federal disaster declaration, U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) and the Kentucky Congressional Delegation sent a letter to President Obama urging him to designate the counties and cities throughout Kentucky impacted by the severe weather as a federal disaster area. Statewide, 70 counties have already declared themselves in a state of emergency. If federal disaster assistance is made available, eligible families and communities devastated by the severe flash flooding, strong winds, mudslides, high rains and water damage may receive relief.
“The May storms have caused devastation and destruction throughout the Commonwealth. My prayers go out to those families and communities who are trying to recover from the severe weather and are now faced with the enormous challenge of clean-up, fixing roads, repairing water systems, and getting life back to normal,” said Rogers. “Along with my colleagues, I am urging the President to provide federal aid as quickly as possible. Mother Nature may have washed away homes, businesses, bridges, and roads, but she cannot take away the resolve and determination of the good people of Kentucky.”
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 due in Kentucky on Thursday to begin evaluations. The Governor's initial request letter of May 3, 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.
“The May storms have caused devastation and destruction throughout the Commonwealth. My prayers go out to those families and communities who are trying to recover from the severe weather and are now faced with the enormous challenge of clean-up, fixing roads, repairing water systems, and getting life back to normal,” said Rogers. “Along with my colleagues, I am urging the President to provide federal aid as quickly as possible. Mother Nature may have washed away homes, businesses, bridges, and roads, but she cannot take away the resolve and determination of the good people of Kentucky.”
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 due in Kentucky on Thursday to begin evaluations. The Governor's initial request letter of May 3, 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.