Kentucky Seeks $44 Million For Storm Damage
Release Date: April 1, 2003
Release Number: 1454-17
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Richmond, KY -- State and local governments and private nonprofit agencies in 52 Kentucky counties are seeking more than $44 million in federal assistance to help them recover from the costly damage caused by February's severe winter storms.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently processing 137 applications under its Public Assistance program, which helps pay to restore essential public facilities and services following a declared disaster.
Most are seeking reimbursement of emergency spending for debris removal, restoration of publicly owned infrastructure and overtime pay for police and other public employees called out due to the storm emergency.
Among the requests are $17.6 million for debris removal, $1.85 million for emergency protective measures (police, public employees, immediate actions to restore critical facilities), and $24.6 million for damaged infrastructure.
"These applicants were hard hit by the extraordinary cost of restoring services and safeguarding the public, said Gracia Szczech of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), federal coordinating officer for recovery operations. "Public assistance steps in when these unexpected expenses exceed the reach of local budgets."
Public assistance became available when President Bush issued a major disaster declaration March 14. FEMA pays 75 percent of the assistance and the state pays the balance. FEMA has already approved more than $2.7 million in assistance to individuals whose homes and businesses sustained damage in the storms.
The program applies to governments and private non-profit agencies that fill an essential public need, such as electric cooperatives. The application period for new requests expires in May but those who have given notice of intent to apply will have additional time to complete damage assessments.
Last Modified: Thursday, 03-Apr-2003 10:49:04