Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has announced plans to appeal FEMA’s decision that denies Individual Assistance for Christian and Todd Counties, and denies Public Assistance for Leslie County, for damages and losses suffered in the tornadoes and severe storms of May 16-17.
In a letter to the Governor, FEMA wrote, “Based on the results of the joint Preliminary Damage Assessments, it has been determined that the impact to the individuals and households in Christian and Todd Counties is not of the severity and magnitude to warrant their designation under the Individual Assistance program.”
The FEMA letter also states, “In addition, it has been determined that the impact to the infrastructure in Leslie County is not of the severity and magnitude to warrant their designation under the Public Assistance program.”
FEMA also has denied Gov. Beshear’s requests for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program for both the April flooding and the May tornadoes.
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance provides funding for eligible long-term solutions that reduce the impact of future disasters.
“While we appreciate the Individual Assistance and Public Assistance we were granted for most of the affected areas, we are disappointed in the decision,”Gov. Beshear said.
“We are actively comparing the damage assessments, and we plan to appeal.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial & local governments, as well as certain types of private nonprofit organizations, so communities can respond and recover from major disasters quickly.
FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, provides money and direct services to eligible individuals and households. It is not considered a substitute for private insurance.
Photo: Gov. Beshear speaks at Mayfield in 2024.