Today, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced President Obama has authorized a federal disaster declaration for seven counties in Southern and Eastern Kentucky that were devastated by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred June 19-23, 2011. Immediately following the request from Governor Steve Beshear, Congressman Rogers joined U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and U.S. Senator Rand Paul in signing a letter to President Obama urging this declaration. 

“Far too often, unexpected storms rip through the nation, leaving behind costly repairs that our families and local government simply cannot afford. Without federal assistance for storm damage of this magnitude, our rural communities would struggle to recover,” said Rogers. “This deadly storm took much more from our communities than can ever be replaced and while there are many challenges to overcome, this declaration is a step in the right direction.”

Disaster declaration #FEMA-4008-DR designates the following counties for Public Assistance (PA): Bell, Breathitt, Knott, Knox, Lee, Magoffin, and Perry Counties.

Public assistance is available to state and local governments and certain non-profit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

All counties in the Commonwealth are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The program is available to state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Local governments claiming a storm-related loss and seeking assistance from storm damages should contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at (800) 621-3362 or TTY (800) 462-7585 for persons with speech or hearing disabilities.  Additional information about this disaster, FEMA-4008-DR, and required forms to apply for assistance are available at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/.

###