Governor Assesses Storm Damage in Western Kentucky
Process underway to secure Presidential Disaster Declaration
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2008) – Gov. Steve Beshear today in western Kentucky visited some of the hardest hit areas of Sunday’s storms. He met with local and state officials who are currently conducting damage assessments with Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) representatives. This begins the process of preparing a Presidential Disaster Declaration, which would clear the way for federal reimbursement for damages suffered.
“I want Kentuckians to know we are engaged in these damage assessments with FEMA,” said Gov. Beshear. “Getting relief and assistance to Kentucky’s families who are suffering as a result of this disaster is the right thing to do, and we are doing everything in our power to see to it.”
The current status of statewide damage assessment includes:
- 223,024 utility customers are without power statewide; 138,800 of those are in the Louisville Metro area
- 35,200 utility customers are without power in northern Kentucky
- Some 24,000 utility customers largely concentrated in western Kentucky remain without power.
- 24 counties and 18 cities have declared states of emergency. Gov. Beshear declared a statewide emergency Sunday night.
“As I travel the state, I am always impressed with the efforts and attitudes of people working together, especially during times of crises,” said Gov. Beshear. “It speaks volumes to me how Kentuckians pull together and never give up to get through tough times.”
Emergency officials at the state level continue to assist local and county officials, including:
- Over 250 National Guardsman are working State Active Duty missions in support of Kentucky’s response to Hurricane Ike wind storm.
- Guard missions include providing security details and filling requests for generator support to critical infrastructure throughout the state.
- Currently, four shelters are open across the state, one each in Daviess County, Graves County, Jefferson County and Boone County.
- National Guard officials are standing by to offer support as needed to areas impacted.