At Gov. Andy Beshear’s request, Kentucky to receive federal aid to help fight COVID-19 pandemic

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fema-logo-03-28

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Saturday that emergency federal aid has been made available to Kentucky due to the COVID-19 pandemic after President Donald Trump approved a request made by Gov. Andy Beshear.

The aid is intended “to supplement the commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020, and continuing,” FEMA said in a statement.

“Federal funding is also available to … eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance under Public Assistance, for all areas affected by COVID-19 at a federal cost share of 75 percent.”

“That is going to help us cover costs, up to 75 percent, for certain costs that the federal government will pay for,” Beshear said at his Saturday COVID-19 briefing. “Specifically, it enables FEMA to reimburse us for costs associated with measures taken before, during and after this coronavirus to protect public health and safety.”

Beshear added, “That includes costs associated with our state health emergency operations center, disinfecting eligible facilities, providing temporary medical facilities, which we’re working on, purchasing equipment and supplies and directing law enforcement to provide necessary assistance.

FEMA said Gracia B. Szczech has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

Ken Howlett, News Director

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com