President Obama grants disaster declaration requested by Gov. Beshear
STAFF REPORT
Thursday, May 5, 2011, 11:20 a.m. — Gov. Steve Beshear was notified late Wednesday evening that President Barack Obama has approved his request for a major disaster declaration for Kentucky.
After learning that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel in Kentucky had submitted a letter to the President recommending granting the disaster declaration, Gov. Beshear immediately called the White House to urge a quick response.
“I am thankful to the White House for quickly granting my request,” said Beshear in a press release. “While it will be a long recovery from the recent storms and flooding that have hit the Commonwealth, this assistance will greatly help Kentucky families and communities rebuild.”
Over the past two weeks, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash flooding have hit many areas of the Commonwealth, causing rising waters, infrastructure damage and dangerous roads. In response to these storms, Gov. Beshear declared a state of emergency on April 25 to allow local officials immediate access to state resources to assist in public safety and recovery efforts.
The requests for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation have been granted. All other requests are under review.
Gov. Beshear has also requested a disaster declaration for Kentucky’s farm families from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and directed the temporary suspension of restrictions on certain motor carriers and utility vehicles delivering disaster relief supplies. In addition, he implemented an executive order to protect consumers from price gouging.
Damage assessments continue across the state.
A total of about 600 Kentucky National Guard troops are currently assisting flood relief efforts in six western Kentucky counties. Floodwaters continue to rise along the lower Ohio and Mississippi rivers, threatening homes and businesses. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects the rivers will reach crest in most locations in Kentucky today and Friday.
“I appreciate the ongoing efforts by our local, state and federal responders to keep our families and communities safe as these waters continue to rise,” said Beshear. “This flood will have long-term effects even after the waters recede, and we stand ready to assist in every step of recovery.”
The Governor visited flooded areas on Tuesday, his second trip to the flood zone in less than a week. National Guard troops are performing a variety of functions in flooded counties, including security patrols, evacuation support, sandbagging operations, communications, and logistics and aviation support.
Approximately 3,800 Kentucky residents have evacuated their homes since flooding began. Red Cross shelters housed 37 people last night in four locations; a total of six shelters are operating statewide.
Heavy rains on Monday and Tuesday in the central portion of the state produced one to four inches of rain, adding runoff to regional lakes and tributaries. The additional runoff may cause minor to moderate flooding in the Green River, Licking River, Rolling Fork River and Salt River. No additional evacuations are expected as a result of this recent rainfall.
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), approximately 265 roads are closed affecting more than 50 counties. Because of the rapidly changing nature of flooding, road closure information can quickly become outdated. Before traveling to an affected area, check with local authorities. Traffic information for interstates, parkways and major routes is available at 511.ky.gov or by calling 511. In addition, KYTC has a map on its website (www.transportation.ky.gov) indicating road closures.
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