State Seeks Major Disaster Declaration After June Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has submitted an official request to President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a major disaster declaration following severe weather and statewide flooding that struck the commonwealth from June 17 through June 30.

The declaration, if approved, would open the door for federal Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs to help families, local governments and eligible organizations recover from flood damage. Beshear said the support will be critical as residents rebuild homes, repair infrastructure and address uninsured or underinsured losses.

“Public and Individual Assistance will be essential to help families recover and rebuild, and we are going to work hard to secure this federal support,” Beshear said.

Beshear declared a state of emergency on June 27 after heavy rainfall caused dangerous flash flooding in many parts of Kentucky. Some areas received seven inches or more of rain, prompting water rescues, road closures and local emergency declarations. State officials later reported that six Kentuckians died in connection with the flooding, including residents from Madison, Jackson, Hardin and Jefferson counties.

Jackson County was among the communities included in local emergency response and recovery discussions. Congressman Hal Rogers met Monday, July 27, with Jackson County Judge Executive Paul Hays at his Somerset office to discuss flood recovery efforts and economic development priorities.

Rogers said he signed onto a joint letter from Kentucky’s congressional delegation to President Trump supporting Beshear’s request. “Eastern Kentuckians are resilient and I stand ready to help as we continue this important work together to clean up and rebuild,” Rogers said.

State leaders encouraged Kentuckians whose property was affected by the June flooding to report damage and complete the unmet needs form through Kentucky Emergency Management as recovery assessments continue.