This past Tuesday, Governor Andy Beshear said he was “thankful” to receive a needed phone call from President Donald Trump — one that confirmed public assistance was coming for all counties involved in both the February and May storms.
During his Thursday “Team Kentucky” update, Beshear confirmed more good news came late Wednesday.
For April, Beshear said there are now 90 counties approved based on the President’s action, and for May, there are now 39 counties approved.
FEMA, Beshear added, has already approved and dispersed more than $2.6 million for tornado damage, as well as $1.29 million in other needs assistance.
Right now, the Commonwealth is sheltering 30 households from the May tornadoes — 23 in travel trailers and seven in hotels, while 56 have transitioned out to more stable housing situations.
Beshear said he also told Trump and Department of Homeland Security’s Secretary Kristi Noem that the FEMA team members on the ground, after each of the spring disasters, were doing “great work” for Kentuckians.
This aid, Beshear said, did take longer than previous natural disasters during his 5 ½ years in administration, but the help is welcome, nonetheless.
Beshear noted that the 2024-25 fiscal year ended with a General Fund surplus north of $310 million.
Of that amount, more than $250 million will be deposited in the Budget Reserve Trust Fund, and the remaining $62.1 million will fund necessary government expenses like responding to natural disasters, matching funds for FEMA disaster grants, and forest fire suppression.
