This week, the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee heard from lawmakers whose communities were among the hardest hit.
Sen. Philip Wheeler is from Pike County. He said an on-the-ground look revealed the extent of the devastation.
"I have lived in Pike County since 1985, and I've never seen anything like it in my life," he testified.
Wheeler said 11 bridges were washed out — one a recent construction that cost over a million dollars alone — and damage to roads, homes, and schools will easily reach into the tens of millions.
Back in Frankfurt, Gov. Andy Beshear has asked for the state to lift a cap the administration can spend on emergency response, but Republican lawmakers say they want to firm up estimates before committing to any relief legislation.
"What are they getting back from assessments or even have they had time for assessment?" Senate President Robert Stivers asked Tuesday, saying constituents and local officials have told him they're not at a point to deliver a list or "valid assessment' of what's needed in the affected counties.
Lawmakers, many of whom are skeptical of FEMA, are also waiting to see whether promises of federal help come through. The agency's acting director, Cameron Hamilton, met with Wheeler to get a firsthand grasp on the scope of the disaster in his county.
President Trump has signed off on expedited disaster assistance for 11 Kentucky counties, including Wheeler's district.