Article Author:
Associated Press
Bruce Shriner
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (AP) — Governor Andy Beshear said Thursday as federal emergency workers respond to requests for assistance in the floods. , noted signs of progress -- but stressed that "it's still not enough" as people grapple with recovering from the disaster that devastated eastern Kentucky, sweeping away homes and flooding communities.
A week ago, just days after President Joe Biden visited the devastated Appalachian region and vowed the federal government would help residents get back on their feet, Democratic governors condemned the Federal Emergency Management Agency's response. Did. At least 39 people died in devastating floods. Her two women in the area are still missing.
Beshear was more optimistic on Thursday in the latest assessment of FEMA's response, noting that the state is closely monitoring his FEMA handling of relief requests. emphasized.
As flash floods engulfed parts of eastern Kentucky late last month, FEMA approved more than $40 million in grants to 5,267 households under its Individuals and Households Program. said the governor. About half of the total requests for assistance have been approved so far, he said, from the "30 percent" figure he first saw.
"It's still not enough, but progress has been made." is," he said at a press conference. “When our federal partners are making real progress, even if they feel frustrated at times, we want to say thank you.
The funds, distributed by FEMA, include funds to help people return their homes to "sanitary and habitable conditions." More than $32 million in housing assistance grants are included, Beshear said. An additional $8 million was used to meet other immediate needs, including medical and dental costs, moving and storage costs, and childcare, he said. Of those, 1,502 are currently considered ineligible, FEMA said Thursday. Reasons, he said, may include cases where FEMA assistance duplicates benefits from other sources, including insurance.Other reasons include the applicant's identity and homeowner status. verification, or other missing documentation issues.
Refusal of assistance is not "necessarily the end of the road" in seeking redress, he said, FEMA. Agency representatives are contacting people who have been denied consideration of their applications.
On Thursday, Beshear urged those in such situations to "keep pushing" and conduct a thorough review "eye-to-eye" with FEMA officials. . Agencies are also sending text messages to people who aren't answering their calls as another means of reaching out, the governor said.
He praised these efforts and said, He said,
The governor said there are many "moving pieces" regarding the government's relief effort.
"We're going to dig deeper into the various buckets," the governor said. "What's on hold, what's been rejected, what's been rejected and approved later, what's the reason? But there's more transparency and more numbers. It makes us a good advocate. …and it helps families know what additional work they have to do.”
Meanwhile, Kentucky leaders We are creating our own relief supplies for the affected areas. Beshear said he was "close to" convening a special legislative session to take up the bill.
"All parts must be agreed up front," said the governor. "It's going well. We hope to get an official date in the next day or so." He is being held at a community center, Beshear said. Of those, he has 319 stays at state parks.
Crisis consultation teams are working in flood-affected areas in response to the psychological stress caused by the disaster, he said. The team works through local community mental health centers.
Urging people to reach out if they need help, the governor said: I don't know how it's okay if you lose everything or lose someone you love. ''