Judge Gabbard Updates Flood Damage Assessment

 Our County EM staff and road foreman have been busy working with State officials as well as FEMA representatives surveying damages caused by last months flooding. They have spent a considerable amount of time documenting damage to county roads and bridges as well as documenting damage that was reported by individuals on their respective properties. We are unsure as of this time if we will receive any assistance and will know more once we hear back from KY EM. It looks like we have an estimated total of $106,000 worth of damages reported for Jackson County. That number includes road damages, PRTC and Jackson Energy utility service damages. 
 
On Monday March 3rd, the House and Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committees convened jointly to receive an update on the recent flooding disaster. Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray reported that the flood caused damage to 15 county bridges and left 49 total roads still closed. State Budget Director John Hicks indicated that the total cost of the disaster is projected to exceed the $50 million cap for disaster and emergency aid funds in FY2026. Hicks requested that the legislature allocate additional funds for the state and appropriate State Aid Funding for Emergencies (SAFE) funds to support local governments in their recovery efforts. 

 Just a reminder that the restrooms in County parks are still closed. County parks are open for public use but most of the water lines are in areas that are not insulated. We plan to open bathrooms for the season once we have consistent warmer weather without the danger of freezing and busting service lines. 


Have a blessed week