Visiting with flood-impacted families in Perry and Knott counties and preparing for a visit with Secretary of Homeland Security’s Kristi Noem Wednesday afternoon, Governor Andy Beshear delivered a detailed report on storm recovery response — which has been ongoing following torrential rains and snows observed two weeks ago.
Earlier this week, Beshear confirmed that President Donald Trump approved his request for an “Expedited Major Disaster Declaration” for 11 counties: Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry and Pike. This will allow for faster response and additional designations from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The death toll from the weather, Beshear added, is now 23 Kentuckians.
Those looking to assist financially can donate to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund. As of Wednesday morning, more than $410,000 had come from 3,320 donors. All monies received will first assist with funeral costs.
Beshear also continued his push for Kentuckians to donate blood. He and the First Lady, Britainy, joined state employees and Frankfort residents during a drive at the State Capitol Rotunda earlier this week.
State highway closures are down to 66 paths, including 11 from mudslides and rockslides. Preliminary estimates indicate more than 200 said roads have been damaged — many of them down to just one lane.
All water systems across the state are online, but 13 remain under “limited operations.”
All wastewater systems are operational, but 14 remain under “limited operations.”
Beshear added that his administration is already working with the Kentucky General Assembly, in hopes of pooling some funding for long-term recovery efforts in both east and west Kentucky.
Also as of Wednesday, more than 280 people were sheltering in 100 rooms across six state parks.
This includes:
Nine adults and two children at Lake Barkley State Resort Park;
52 adults and 23 children at Buckhorn Lake;
Eight adults and three children at Cumberland Falls;
113 adults and 43 children at Jenny Wiley;
20 adults and 10 children at Natural Bridge;
And one adult at Pine Mountain.
