President Declares Major Disaster For Kentucky; Three Counties Designated For Aid To Storm Victims 

Release Date: January 10, 2000
Release Number: 1310-01

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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Federal disaster aid was made available today for families and businesses in three Kentucky counties victimized by tornadoes and other violent weather last week, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA Director James Lee Witt said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Clinton. The declaration covers damage to private and public property from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that hit the western portion of the state January 3-4.

The three counties designated by Witt for aid to stricken residents and business owners are Crittenden, Daviess, and Webster.

The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, minor home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Additionally, Witt said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in Crittenden and Daviess counties to pay 75 percent of the eligible cost for debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities. The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.

Witt indicated that damage surveys are continuing and additional counties may be designated for aid later based on the results of the assessments. He named A. Scott Wells of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.

Wells said residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-462-9029, or 1-800-462-7585 (TDD) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting Tuesday, January 11, 2000 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Nov-2003 17:12:41