Kentucky senators, congressmen support Beshear in asking Trump for more flood relief

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A group of Kentucky U.S. senators and congressmen are coming together to fight to get flood victims more help.

Sens. Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, and Reps. Morgan McGarvey, James Comer, Brett Guthrie, Thomas Massie, Hal Rogers and Andy Barr sent a letter to President Donald Trump, giving their support for Gov. Andy Beshear in his effort to get public assistance in 85 counties and additional help in 24 others after the devastating flooding last month.

Thirteen counties have already been approved for federal relief in the aftermath of the flooding, which devastated communities, flooding roads, homes and businesses.

"The torrential rainfall, flash flooding, and tornadoes that occurred across Kentucky as a result of the April storms led to widespread damage to critical public infrastructure including roads, bridges, and water distribution systems," the letter states. "Recent reports indicate hundreds of households have been impacted, and more than 500 local, state, and federal roadways were underwater or closed because of mudslides at one point during the event, which further hindered the initial response and assessment of damages. As communities begin to rebuild and families begin to recoup their homes, federal assistance is critical to ensuring Kentuckians can safely resume their lives."

The request from Beshear wants to add 16 counties to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's individual assistance program that helps people rebuild after natural disasters like the floods that inundated parts of Kentucky starting in early April.

Beshear is asking for Meade, Trimble, Bullitt and Jefferson counties along the Ohio River to be included in the declaration Trump approved last Friday. They would join 13 other counties eligible for the benefits, including Hardin County south of Louisville.

"These funds are crucial in helping our families and communities rebuild, and we are planning to add even more counties later this week," Beshear said in a statement. "We are committed to making sure our families get the help they need."

FEMA aid ranges from temporary housing grants to funds to help replace damaged personal property. More information on how to apply, and eligibility requirements, can be found here.

The April flooding declaration is the second such action Trump has approved for Kentucky this year. He signed off on the designation in February following severe weather that included straight-line winds, flooding and mudslides.

Beshear said last week that the Trump administration denied aid for additional counties he wanted to be included in the February declaration.

At least seven people died in Kentucky during the April floods, according to Beshear's office. The Ohio River crested at Louisville's McAlpine Upper gauge at 36.63 feet, making it one of the 10 worst floods in the city's history.

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