July Storm Damage Gets Fed. Disaster Declaration

President Barack Obama has signed a disaster declaration for parts of Kentucky affected by storms in early July.

The White House said in a news release Friday that the declaration covers damage from storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred between July 2 and July 9. The affected area includes Adair, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Clay, Crittenden, Daviess, Edmonson, Hart, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, Metcalfe, Ohio, Todd, Trigg, Union and Webster counties.

The declaration triggers federal aid to help with recovery efforts in the affected areas.

According to a press release, FEMA assistance for the Commonwealth and affected local governments can include payment of 75 percent or more of the eligible costs for:

+ Debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. 

+ Repairing or replacing damaged facilities like roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and publicly owned property.

+ Hazard mitigation projects to prevent or reduce long-term risk to live or property from disasters.

Several briefings will be held soon so state and local officials understand the application process.

More can be found at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.