Bowling Green Today

Kentucky’s federal delegation, including Senator Rand Paul, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and Representatives Hal Rogers (KY-05), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Andy Barr (KY-06), James Comer (KY-01), Thomas Massie (KY-04), and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) have sent a letter to President Joe Biden expressing their support for Governor Andy Beshear’s request for a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This request follows severe storms that began on May 21, 2024, and continued until May 27, 2024.

Sixteen tornadoes struck Kentucky during this period, accompanied by damaging winds and severe thunderstorms. The storms caused widespread power outages affecting over 213,000 households, with some areas experiencing outages lasting several weeks. Nearly half of Kentucky’s 120 counties suffered severe damage to both public and private property. Many of these areas are still recovering from the historic December 2021 tornadoes. Tragically, several Kentuckians lost their lives, and many others were injured. Multiple hospitals and long-term care facilities were left without power for days, while two counties experienced hazardous chemical spills.

In their letter to President Biden, the delegation stated: “In recent years, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has endured some of the deadliest and costliest disasters in its modern history. As Kentuckians continue to recover, we support Governor Andy Beshear’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration that includes the Individuals and Households Assistance Program for 15 counties and the Public Assistance Program for 54 counties. We appreciate your prompt consideration of this request which will greatly assist Kentuckians and our communities.”

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