“I appreciate President Obama’s timely response and declaration of a federal disaster for Kentucky in response to the severe flooding that heavily damaged more than two-thirds of our counties,” said Gov. Beshear.  “The declaration allows for assistance for individuals and local governments – aid that will help our families and businesses recover more quickly from these devastating floods.”

The federal government has designated Individual Assistance (aid for individuals and households) for eight counties:  Casey, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Metcalfe, Rockcastle, Rowan and Woodford.

Public Assistance (aid for state and local governments and certain private nonprofit agencies) is approved for seven counties:  Allen, Hart, Lewis, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe and Rockcastle.

Russell County Emergency Services Director H.M. Bottom said he was not surprised by the turn of events.

“The FEMA teams haven't made it here yet to do their assesment,” Bottom explained. “It is like it was with the ice storm a couple of years ago. First they go to the hardest hit areas, then they come to the areas that weren't as badly effected.”

He said he is expecting the FEMA assesment in Russell County within a week, and said he has been told to expect assistance after that.

A team from the Small Business Administration is in Kentucky now; the disaster declaration means that businesses may begin submitting applications for loans to assist in the recovery.  Those registrations will be coordinated by the small business assessment teams at the county level.  

“I will continue to work toward getting all affected counties their designations for proper federal assistance,” continued Gov. Beshear.  “Our damage assessment teams remain in the counties affected by flooding.  Many across the Commonwealth will need assistance rebuilding, and the federal aid will help our communities recover as quickly as possible.”