Disaster Assistance Approved for Some Kentucky Counties

The Office of Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear says  President Barack Obama has authorized assistance for residents of seven Kentucky counties that suffered significant damage as a result of Friday’s tornadoes and severe storms.

The decision from the White House  makes federal funding available to affected individuals in  Johnson, Kenton, Laurel, Lawrence, Menifee, Morgan, and Pendleton counties. Damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance could be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

Governor Beshear says he is grateful for the approval of the disaster assistance and the "swiftness" of the response from Washington. The Governor  declared a statewide emergency on Friday evening.  The Governor's office says assistance for individuals can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance  by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov