Federal disaster aid approved for 100 Kentucky counties, including Louisville
– 2 min read
"I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and clarity.
Are you new here? Sign up for the free newsletter or subscribe to support our mission.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky communities devastated by severe weather this spring will receive crucial federal assistance after President Donald Trump approved federal funding for 100 counties across the commonwealth. This comes after a particularly destructive string of severe weather events in the state.
Governor Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that the president personally called to inform him of the approval, which covers two separate weather events that caused widespread damage in April and May.
"Great news – the President has approved the Public Assistance we've been waiting on for the communities affected by severe weather in April and May," Governor Beshear said in his announcement. "We never gave up hope and are excited that these counties and communities are going to see the support they need and deserve."
The first disaster declaration covers 64 counties that experienced severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides on April 2, 2025. The affected counties span much of central and eastern Kentucky, including Louisville, and counties south of the Metro.
The hardest-hit areas were counties in eastern Kentucky's coal country, where mountainous terrain made communities particularly vulnerable to flooding and landslides. The April storms caused significant infrastructure damage to roads, bridges, public buildings and utilities.
A second wave of severe weather on May 16-17 brought tornadoes and damaging winds to 36 counties in central and southern Kentucky. These storms carved destructive paths through communities still recovering from previous weather events, compounding the challenges facing local governments and residents.
Federal Public Assistance provides funding to local governments and certain nonprofit organizations to help rebuild public infrastructure damaged by disasters. The program typically covers:
- Emergency protective measures and debris removal
- Repair and replacement of damaged public buildings, including schools and hospitals
- Restoration of public utilities and infrastructure
- Road and bridge repairs
- Parks and recreational facility reconstruction
The disaster declarations represent a significant step forward for Kentucky communities working to recover from the spring storms. Many counties experienced multiple weather events within weeks of each other, straining local resources and complicating recovery efforts.
If you'd like to help, you can donate to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund here.
Like what you see? Subscribe now to support Shay Informed- honest journalist with compassion and clarity.
