Whitley, Knox, McCreary and Bell counties included in President Trump’s federal disaster declaration

President Donald J. Trump’s major federal disaster declaration Friday for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and 27 Kentucky counties including Whitley, Bell, Knox and McCreary counties, will mean federal funding to repair some of the more than $1 million in flood damage in Whitley County, which was caused by February storms.

“We were very glad to see it. That means that we will get some relief from the flooding this year. We still don’t know for sure about individual assistance that private individuals would receive. The disaster declaration allows FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to open that up, and I think FEMA makes that final decision from the way I understand things,” Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. said Monday.

“It probably will mean the public projects get some federal funding to do some repairs like we have done the last couple of years with flooding. We are excited about continuing to get to make permanent fixes to those issues that come up due to flooding in our road system, and through our county.”

The disaster declaration is due to severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from Feb. 3 to Feb. 29.

Federal funding is available to the Commonwealth and eligible local governments and certain private non-profit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire Commonwealth.

Whitley County is currently making slide repairs on Little Wolf Creek, which was affected by last year’s flooding.

“It has been something that has been needed to be done most all of my life. It is exciting to see those things get funded and get moving towards completion,” White added.

Gov. Andy Beshear said that the disaster declaration was needed.

“We are thankful to receive this declaration to further assist Kentucky counties impacted by the widespread severe weather and historical flooding earlier this year,” Beshear said. “This declaration comes at a time when we are all fighting against COVID-19, and whether we are working to repair and rebuild from flooding or the impact of this virus, I know as Kentuckians we will get through this and we will get through this together.”

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Commonwealth and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Other counties included in the declaration are Boyd, Butler, Clay, Harlan, Henderson, Hickman, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, McCracken, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, and Union.

Whitley County Projects Director Amber Owens said over 40 homes suffered some type of damage due to February flooding although the damage varied widely from home to home.