In response to destruction caused by massive storms and flooding, Gov. Steve Beshear announced Friday that President Obama had granted a request for public disaster assistance for 22 Kentucky counties including Russell County.

Federal funds are now available to State and eligible local governments for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the storms.

Flooding during the recent severe thunderstorms damaged local roads leaving them impassable to local motorists.

"Most of the roads were in the lower end of the county," said Russell County Judge executive Mickey Garner. "We applied for disaster aid for roads that were washed out during storms in May."

He said a portion of Half Acre Road off KY 619, two roads in Jabez by Twin Oaks boat ramp and Polstontown Road in Eli were a few of the 13 roads damaged by flooding.

One Russell County family was stranded in their home near Wolf Creek Dam on Ray Mann Road for three days until flood waters receded.

Preliminary estimates to repair area roadways totals about $75,000 Garner said.

Last week, Russell County Emergency Manager H.M. Bottom accompanied a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representative to determine the county's need for federal disaster assistance.

"We should be hearing shortly about when a FEMA team will be sent to help assess the damage," said Bottom. "Then we'll get permission to go ahead with the repair work."

He said some roads have already been repaired to make them safe and passable once flood waters receded.

"Dollar wise, we don't know the exact amount of damage," Bottom said. "More specific figures will be available when the FEMA team figures the exact amount of allowable damage relief we are eligible to receive per road."