Kentucky's Governor Seeks Additional Federal Support for Counties Affected by June 2026 Storms

Appeals denial of Public Assistance for 5 Kentucky counties after deadly weather outbreak

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear sent a letter to David Arnot, acting associate administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), appealing President Donald Trump’s denial of Public Assistance for five counties affected by widespread flooding and severe weather that took place in June of this year. In the letter, the Governor also urged FEMA to reconsider its sweeping denial of the state’s inclusion in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program; asked for additional counties to be added to the Individuals and Households Assistance Program; and requested an adjustment of the incident period time from just five days to June 17-30, per the National Weather Service report. 

“This flooding event was devastating for Kentucky – and while we are grateful that 20 counties affected were approved for Public Assistance, we need the additional federal support to fully recover and rebuild,” said Gov. Beshear. “Without this assistance, recovery from this event far exceeds the capabilities of the affected counties, and it will have negative impacts for years to come. I ask that FEMA reconsider the areas listed in my letter and approve my request to correct Kentucky’s declaration.” 

Gov. Beshear requested a major disaster declaration on July 23, 2026, after the state completed a comprehensive damage assessment. The request followed a severe weather event that began on June 17 of this year and continued through June 30, with areas of Kentucky impacted by tornadoes, straight-line winds and widespread flooding that caused damages and destruction of homes, businesses, government facilities, roadways, utilities and government services. Sadly, six Kentuckians lost their lives as a result.

In early September, the Governor announced that Public Assistance had been approved for at least 20 counties affected by the weather event. However, the approval limited the incident period to just five days and excluded the areas outlined in the Governor’s letter of appeal to FEMA.

Details of the request include:

• Adjusting incident time period from five days to the full 13-day weather event of June 17-30, 2026;
• Adding Bracken, Carroll, Grant, Pendleton and Trimble counties to the Public Assistance Program and the Individual and Household Programs;
• Adding Bullitt, Clinton, Cumberland, Jackson, Madison, Marion and Meade counties to the Individuals and Households Assistance Program; and
• Rolling back the sweeping denial of Kentucky from the Hazard Mitigation Program.

How To Help Survivors: The Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund was established to serve survivors of severe weather events and natural disasters. As with previous relief funds, these dollars will first help pay for victims’ funeral expenses. To donate, click here.