Jackson Purchase News

Kentucky's federal delegation, including U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul, 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) 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 due to severe storms that began on May 21, 2024, and continued until May 27, 2024.

Sixteen tornadoes swept through Kentucky in addition to damaging winds and severe thunderstorms that hit the Commonwealth in May. The storms caused widespread power outages affecting over 213,000 households and lasting several weeks in some areas. Nearly half of Kentucky’s 120 counties suffered severe damage to public and private property, with some still recovering from the historic December 2021 tornadoes (DR-4630-KY). Tragically, several Kentuckians perished, along with many others sustaining injuries. Additionally, multiple hospitals and long-term care facilities were left without power for days, and two counties experienced hazardous chemical spills.

In the letter to the President, the delegation wrote: “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.”

###