STATEMENT RELEASE COMBINED STATEMENT ON KENTUCKY FLOOD RESPONSE EFFORTS

COMBINED STATEMENT ON KENTUCKY 

FLOOD RESPONSE EFFORTS

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 25, 2025) —The following is a statement from Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, Sen. Scott Madon, R-Pineville, Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard and Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, regarding President Donald Trump approving an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration, which includes public assistance for local governments and individual assistance for Kentuckians in the 10 counties affected by the most recent storms.

"We appreciate President Trump’s approval of federal disaster aid for the impacted counties in our region. The assistance is critical for families, businesses, and local governments working to recover from yet another devastating flood.

“With that said, and with recognition of the President’s frustrations regarding federal red tape, we must note that Kentuckians have repeatedly seen how FEMA’s bureaucracy slows recovery and adds unnecessary frustration for those already in crisis. After past disasters, survivors struggled with confusing paperwork, delayed assistance, and out-of-state officials who didn’t understand our communities and Appalachia. That simply can’t happen again.

“With President Trump at the helm, we are hopeful his new administration will fix the failures of the past and ensure disaster relief is fast, effective, and locally driven. The best way to help Kentucky recover is to get resources directly to the people and leaders who know how to use them. We will keep pushing for a system that works for us—not against us."

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