Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kentucky’s federal delegation, including U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul, and Representatives Hal Rogers (KY-05), John Yarmuth (KY-03), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Andy Barr (KY-06), Thomas Massie (KY-04), and James Comer (KY-01) sent a joint letter today to President Joe Biden expressing their support for Governor Andy Beshear’s request for 90% reimbursement to Kentucky for costs associated with storm debris removal and emergency protective measures for Kentucky communities hardest-hit by tornadoes and severe weather on December 10, 2021.
“State and local officials have expressed continued concern to us that the current 30-day period may not be sufficient in length for the scope of debris removal and counties may not have the resources to remove the vast debris fields,” the delegation stated in their letter to the President. “As you know, Kentucky has also experienced several storms since the initial outbreak of tornadoes… now face new debris and damage caused by more tornadoes, torrential rain and wind, flash flooding, and snow. While west Kentucky has weathered multiple storms, more help is needed.”
Last month, President Biden announced that additional federal emergency aid provided to the Commonwealth would cover 100% of the cost associated with storm debris removal and emergency protective measures for the first 30 days after the Major Disaster Declaration on December 12, 2021. On January 4, 2022, the Kentucky congressional delegation supported the Governor’s request for a 60-day extension for the 100% reimbursement. The extension was not granted, but the President did grant flexibility for when the Commonwealth can designate the 30-day, 100% reimbursement period.