As eastern Kentucky continues to recover from last summer’s major flood event, some attention remains focused on Frankfort regarding future assistance.
Kentucky Senate Pro Tem David Givens said hearts continue to ache for the people in eastern Kentucky. He said the same can be said for people in western Kentucky working to recover from tornado damage.
In eastern Kentucky, Givens noted more efficient federal reimbursement can help address short and long-term housing needs.
“We stand ready and able to help the executive branch thread this needle in doing it in a way with quality temporary housing, but housing that FEMA still deems as temporary, so that long term assistance can move in that space,” said Givens.
And the veteran western Kentucky legislator admits federal reimbursement for some flood-related assistance has been challenging at times.
“Once we put the money out and something is fixed, FEMA won’t look on it as a need anymore because the need’s been met. So how do we meet the immediate need without damaging the future reimbursement from FEMA? That’s the biggest challenge we’re wrestling with right now.”
As far as any proposal in this session for additional state money for housing in eastern Kentucky, Givens said he’s not seen specific legislation regarding that. Senate President Robert Stivers has talked about expanding the scope for already appropriated dollars.
Listen later this week to episode six of "Rise" as we conclude our special series on many aspects of eastern Kentucky flooding last summer.
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