Kentucky’s appeal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) denial for a major disaster declaration due to a July storm deserves President Joe Biden’s “full and fair consideration,” according to U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and his Kentucky colleagues.
A severe storm caused extensive and deadly flash flooding in Nicholas County, Ky., on July 29 and 30, according to a Sept. 15 letter that Rep. Barr, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) sent to President Biden advocating for the approval of the Commonwealth’s appeal for FEMA flood assistance to Nicholas County.
“While the Commonwealth has provided support to Nicholas County’s 7,135 citizens, and local organizations have held fundraisers and processed donations, residents of the City of Carlisle and Nicholas County still face significant economic challenges, including a lack of adequate housing,” the lawmakers wrote. “Moreover, individuals potentially face job loss through the inability to get to work while also being unable to afford new modes of transportation.
“Given this, we believe that the Commonwealth’s appeal of FEMA’s decision deserves your full and fair consideration,” they wrote.
Rep. Barr visited Nicholas County and the city of Carlisle shortly after the floods occurred and, according to his staff, will continue to assist in flood recovery efforts.
Kentucky’s first request was denied by the Biden administration and Rep. Barr and the senators also wrote an Aug. 20 letter to the president for that request.