Updating the Commonwealth from the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, Gov. Andy Beshear reported Thursday that the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund has moved upwards of $6.7 million, and continues to rise.
Beshear noted several corporate donors have surpassed the $15,000 mark in financial relief.
The Kentucky Distillers Association is also currently hosting a bourbon auction, with all proceeds heading to this specialized fund. Open through August 21, it can be found online at kybourbonbenefit.com.
Recovery in eastern Kentucky remains in three phases: emergency, stabilization and rebuilding. Beshear said most of Appalachia has passed through the emergency phase, with 39 fatalities still being reported and two women — Nancy Cundiff and Vanessa Baker — still missing.
More than 450 people remain in congregate housing at state parks, churches, community centers and shelters, with 319 of them in state parks alone. Beshear said 95% of power outages have been restored, wireless providers have returned to full service, and more than 5,200 FEMA applications have been approved.
That’s roughly half of the applications sent into FEMA, Beshear said, and already more than $32 million in housing assistance grants have been awarded to bring damage properties into sanitary, habitable conditions.
Another $8 million has been awarded by FEMA for medical and dental expenses, moving and storage, funeral costs and child care.
