FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration in Kentucky from winter storms in February, Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday.
The declaration is for harsh weather that hit the state from Feb. 8 to Feb. 19, including an ice storm that left more than 154,000 customers without electricity.
The declaration frees up public assistance in 44 counties for costs associated with debris removal, emergency protective actions and the restoration of damaged infrastructure. Beshear said damage assessments are ongoing and that a request could be made to add additional counties.
IMAGES | Snow and ice falling in Kentucky and southern Indiana
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Jefferson Square Park in downtown Louisville
Icicles falling from some steps in Valley Station.
A look at downtown Louisville from Ashland Park in Clarksville, Indiana.
Frozen trees in Valley Station
The rain gear on a WDRB News crew's camera covered in ice while covering the weather from The Belvedere in downtown Louisville.
Ice covers a WDRB News vehicle.
A look at downtown Louisville from Ashland Park in Clarksville, Indiana.
Bardstown, Kentucky
Bardstown, Kentucky
Bardstown, Kentucky
Bardstown, Kentucky
Snow and ice covered roads in Clifton Heights. Feb. 10, 2021.
WDRB's Grace Hayba talked to two men who drove in this truck from Cincinnati to Elizabethtown, Kentucky, where they decided to stop for the night to stay safe.
Frozen trees in Valley Station
Ice coats a WDRB News vehicle in Okolona
Ice coats a WDRB News vehicle in Okolona
Frozen trees in Valley Station
WDRB's Grace Hayba talked to two men who drove in this truck from Cincinnati to Elizabethtown, Kentucky, where they decided to stop for the night to stay safe.
Snow and ice covered roads in Clifton Heights. Feb. 10, 2021.
Snow and ice covered roads in Clifton Heights. Feb. 10, 2021.
Snow and ice beginning to fall in Clifton Heights. Feb. 10, 2021.
Snow and ice covered roads in Clifton Heights. Feb. 10, 2021.
A car window covered in ice in Louisville. Feb. 10, 2021
A vehicle slid off of Chapel Lane in New Albany, Indiana.
The bread aisle at a local grocery store shows people were preparing for winter weather. Feb. 10, 2021
Ice quickly covered outdoor items. Feb. 10, 2021
Sleet falling on Wednesday in Depauw, Indiana. Feb. 10, 2021 Courtesy Krystal Mousty
Snow and ice covered roads in downtown Madison, Indiana. Feb. 10, 2021 Courtesy Teresa Kelley
Sidewalks turned icy in Sellersburg. Feb. 10, 2021. Image courtesy Krystina Lynne Van Atta
Icy sidewalks in Louisville. Feb. 10, 2021
A skim of ice started the storm in Lyndon. Feb. 10, 2021 Courtesy Michael Weible
Snow covered roads in Pekin, Indiana. Feb. 10, 2021 Image courtesy Donna Mull Smith
Snow in Salem, Indiana. Feb. 10, 2021 Courtesy Rebecca Ragsdale
Scott County, Indiana roads were covered in snow. Feb. 10, 2021
Snow plows waited on Arthur Street near Interstate 65 for the storm to begin. Feb. 10, 2021
Snow plows waited on Arthur Street near Interstate 65 for the storm to begin. Feb. 10, 2021
Ice pellets covered everything in Canton, Indiana. Feb. 10, 2021 Courtesy Michelle Lee Sowder.
Ice pellets covered everything in Canton, Indiana. Feb. 10, 2021 Courtesy Michelle Lee Sowder.
A coating of ice covered the car of Kelley Adams Myers, when she was ready to leave work. Feb. 10, 2021. Courtesy Kelley Adams Myers
Ice covers a WDRB News vehicle covering the weather from Corydon, Indiana.
The rain gear on a WDRB News crew's camera got hit with the ice while covering the weather from Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
Ice covers a WDRB News car.
Ice covers a TARC bus stop sign in Louisville's Belknap neighborhood.
Ice covers a trash can in Louisville's Belknap neighborhood.
Ice covers a fire hydrant in Louisville's Belknap neighborhood.
Wintry conditions in downtown Louisville.
A frozen plant in downtown Louisville.
The Greyhound Bus station in downtown Louisville as a wintry mix falls across the city.
A look at downtown Louisville as Wednesday's wintry mix headed into the city.
Icicles hang off of a chair in Meade County, Kentucky.
Some icicles on a bench in Meade County, Kentucky.
Icy grass in southern Indiana.
Ashland Park in Clarksville, Indiana.
The rain gear on a WDRB News crew's camera got hit with the ice while covering the weather from Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
A frozen plant in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Icicles in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Snow and ice fill up an outdoor fountain in Crestwood, Kentucky.
Damage assessments are projected to surpass $30 million.
Beshear declared a state of emergency Feb. 11, while 59 counties and 38 cities issued local emergency orders. The Kentucky National Guard assisted with the clearing of road, conducting wellness checks and helping residents out of their homes.
“This declaration will make sure Kentuckians and our communities have the necessary resources to rebuild after the devastating ice storm that hit in February,” Beshear said in a statement.
Every part of the state also will be eligible for hazard mitigation federal grants to prevent or reduce long-term risks from bad weather.
The statement also said the Federal Emergency Management Agency has completed damage assessments of more than 2,100 homes from record flooding last month. FEMA also is reviewing infrastructure damage assessments, and Beshear plans to submit an application for a second federal disaster declaration after the review is complete.
Residents can contact their local emergency management office with questions or additional reports of flood damage, the statement said.
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