More financial reprieve is coming for the residents of Hopkins County, following the devastation wrought by a tornado in early December 2021.
During Thursday’s “Team Kentucky” update, Governor Andy Beshear announced $8.5 million in assistance bound for the area, courtesy of the West Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies (SAFE) Fund.
As Beshear recommended the funding in his biennium budget, the 2022 General Assembly found bicameral support and passed Senate Bill 150, which was inked by Beshear on April 15.
Under the provision of SB 150, more than $120 million was appropriated to emergency management, and eligible cities, counties, public and nonprofit utilities, and school districts can apply for what continues to be much-needed financial support for rebuilding.
Hopkins County Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield lauded the efforts of Beshear and District 4 Senator Robby Mills for their ardent efforts of passing this legislation.
Beshear also nodded his respect to Mills.
Beshear said the money will be used to further offset cost of debris removal that doesn’t fall under the FEMA assistance umbrella, and it will also assist with fiscal liquidity while helping pay for the 5.2% local share incurred with FEMA-eligible expenses.
While new jobs continue to get announced all over the Commonwealth, Beshear added that he and the legislature must keep rebuilding communities in mind while the state experiences record job growth.
With Hopkins County being the first to receive these kinds of funds, officials within Kentucky Emergency Management anticipate nearly 20 more applications to come from other counties. Beshear said all of them will be reviewed and ranked in due time.
SAFE funds will also support schools and students affected by those December storms. Signed into law January 13, House Bill 5 allocates $30 million for the wrap-around services of school children and families — specifically after-school activities, mental health counseling and tutoring. Some funds are being allowed for the repairs of school building facilities, while another $15 million has been assured for more temporary housing of storm survivors.
Another funding avenue, the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, has raised more than $51 million to date. Nearly $10 million has been distributed to pay for storm victims’ funerals and provide aid to insured and uninsured citizens whose homes were destroyed.
More plans for that fund, Beshear said, are soon to come.
Donations are still accepted at TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov.
