In 2021, Western Kentucky suffered the worst tornado event in the state’s history. That same year parts of Eastern Kentucky suffered flooding. Then in 2022, the eastern part of the state suffered flooding not seen in the area in nearly 100 years. Officials, including Governor Andy Beshear, has said rebuilding will take years. Wednesday, Beshear announced funding to rebuild from the disasters of 2021.
The governor thanked Kentucky Senior Senator Mitch McConnell for his role in securing the funding. The first round of the application process will open on May first. Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan was at the announcement and called it “a good day to be in Frankfort.”
80% of the $123 million in funding will go to the four counties impacted the most by the weather events of 2021. They are Graves, Warren, Hopkins, and Breathitt.
The remaining 20% will be shared by 36 counties hit by tornadoes or flooding in 2021. Beshear anticipates the state will receive a second round of funding for the natural disasters of 2022.
