Beshear asks FEMA to revisit parts of Kentucky disaster aid request tied to June storms and flooding

Gov. Andy Beshear said he has appealed FEMA’s denial of parts of Kentucky’s disaster assistance request stemming from deadly storms and flooding that struck the state in June, asking federal officials to reconsider the department’s decision and approve additional aid for affected counties.

In an update shared Oct. 16, Beshear said the appeal seeks review of specific components of Kentucky’s submission after FEMA determined that portions of the request did not meet the criteria for federal disaster funding. He said the request includes support intended for local recovery efforts in communities that experienced significant damage from the storms.

The June weather event prompted Kentucky emergency response activity and damage assessments across the state, with multiple counties reporting impacts from flooding and related storm effects. Beshear’s administration has been coordinating with local officials on documentation of damage and costs associated with response and recovery.

FEMA’s determinations triggered a need for additional engagement, Beshear said, and his office is working through the appeal process. The governor’s request to revisit FEMA’s denial centers on whether additional federal assistance can be approved for eligible recovery work and costs tied to the June storms.

While FEMA’s decision reduced the scope of federal support initially approved, Beshear said the appeal is aimed at correcting or clarifying the issues that led to the denial of portions of the request. The governor’s office framed the action as part of the state’s ongoing effort to ensure communities harmed by the storms receive the maximum federal help available under applicable rules.

The next steps depend on FEMA’s review timeline for appeals. If FEMA grants the reconsideration, additional funding could flow to counties for eligible recovery activities. If FEMA maintains its denial, Kentucky would still have the appeal record available for further procedural options consistent with federal disaster assistance requirements.

In the meantime, local governments continue managing the gap between damage and recovery costs and the level of federal support already confirmed. The governor’s office said it will continue coordinating with counties as federal review proceeds.