Gov. Beshear announces additional counties to receive federal funding for storm damage

Magoffin, Wolfe Counties approved late Friday afternoon

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 9, 2012) – Governor Steve Beshear received notification Friday that President Barack Obama has authorized assistance for residents of nine more Kentucky counties that suffered significant damage as a result of Friday’s tornadoes and severe storms.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties ofCampbell, Carroll, Grant, Bath, Montgomery, Rowan, Martin, Magoffin and Wolfe. This brings the total number of counties receiving federal aid to 16.

On Tuesday, Johnson, Kenton, Laurel, Lawrence, Menifee, Morgan, and Pendleton counties were authorized for individual assistance.

“We are very pleased that FEMA has authorized funding quickly for these additional storm-ravaged counties,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am grateful that our request has been granted, and I expect FEMA to approve funds very soon for the additional counties we have submitted to them.”Gov. Beshear declared a statewide emergency last Friday evening, as storms were still rolling across the Commonwealth. He asked President Obama for an expedited declaration on Sunday. Assistance for individuals can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.  The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.  Recovery centers will also be set up in affected areas to assist those residents in person.

Deadly storms and tornadoes assaulted Kentucky last Friday, causing 23 deaths and more than 300 injuries.  The Governor has deployed nearly 400 National Guard troops to assist with security, traffic control and other needs in affected counties. Local emergency officials and National Guard troops have completed search and rescue efforts in all affected counties, and local emergency management teams are turning their attention to damage assessments.

Gov. Beshear implemented executive orders to protect consumers from price gouging and to allow residents in affected areas to get emergency refills of prescriptions, excluding controlled substances.  He also directed the temporary suspension of restrictions on certain motor carriers and utility vehicles delivering disaster relief supplies.