WASHINGTON (May 17, 2010)— After Congressman Chandler’s correspondence with President Obama, the disaster declaration for recent flooding in Kentucky now includes Boyle, Franklin, Garrard, Jessamine, Madison, and Mercer Counties. President Obama declared a major disaster declaration for Kentucky on May 11, however it only included Lincoln and Woodford Counties in the Sixth Congressional District.
“Lincoln and Woodford needed assistance,” Chandler said, “but so did Garrard, Boyle, Madison, and many other counties in Central Kentucky. I have seen roads washed away, debris everywhere, and homes and businesses completely destroyed. This storm hit us hard, and we have to do all we can to help repair the damage as soon as possible.”
On May 12, Congressman Chandler contacted President Obama, urging him to consider providing additional assistance to Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Franklin, Garrard, Jessamine, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Powell, and Scott Counties. These counties were declared in a state of emergency by Governor Beshear but were not included in the original presidential disaster declaration. Under the amended declaration issued on May 17, Boyle, Franklin, Garrard, Jessamine, Madison, and Mercer Counties are eligible to receive assistance, and Lincoln and Woodford Counties can receive expanded access to federal assistance.
Currently, the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KyEM) estimates at least $30 million in damages to public and private property caused by the floods. The declaration will release federal funding to help people recover from the severe storms and flooding which began on May 1, 2010.
In addition to Chandler’s recent request on May 12, shortly after the flooding, Chandler joined with other members of the Kentucky delegation and urged President Obama to support Governor Beshear’s original request for a major disaster declaration. On May 7, Congressman Chandler also advocated for additional assistance for the more than 2000 Kentucky farmers affected by the flooding.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the people still dealing with this disaster and especially those who lost loved ones,” Chandler said.
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Read more about farmers and the flooding
Read letter supporting the original disaster declaration
