Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims Benefit from $159 Million in Federal Assistance; FEMA’s Share Stands at $101 Million
FRANKFORT, Ky.— The road to recovery continues for Eastern Kentuckians, as financial aid from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flows into the communities impacted by the devastating floods of last year. So far, more than $158 million has been made available, with FEMA accounting for more than $101 million in direct awards to the flood-affected individuals.
The U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA, a prime federal source of disaster recovery funding, has approved nearly $58 million in low-interest disaster loans. These funds serve a wide array of beneficiaries, including businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters.
Specifically, the SBA has approved 724 disaster loans for homeowners and renters, totaling more than $52 million. These funds are earmarked for repairing or replacing flood-damaged homes and personal properties. Additionally, 49 businesses and private non-profits have secured loans totaling over $5.7 million, destined for the restoration of real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and business assets.
FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) as of March 7, 2023
FEMA’s assistance has led to nearly 8,700 homeowners and renters securing more than $101 million in federal awards through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). This aid does not have to be repaid and covers the following:
- Over $74.6 million in repair assistance to enable survivors to make their homes safe, sanitary, and functional again.
- A portion of the repair assistance was given to more than 1,900 Kentuckians for strengthening their homes against future disasters.
- More than $6.4 million in replacement assistance to help survivors replace their destroyed homes.
- Approximately $7.2 million in rental assistance to over 5,000 applicants, enabling them to find temporary accommodation while their homes are being repaired or rebuilt.
Through direct outreach via phone calls to FEMA applicants, over $32.8 million in recovery funds have been approved.
Direct Temporary Housing Assistance
Due to the scarcity of rental resources in the flood-hit communities, the Commonwealth requested Direct Temporary Housing Assistance. Currently, 85 households are staying in temporary housing units across five counties. To date, 17 families have moved out of temporary housing into permanent residences.
Other Needs Assistance (ONA)
The ONA program has awarded more than $13.3 million to Kentucky survivors, covering a range of necessary expenses and serious needs not met by insurance or any other source. This includes assistance for critical needs, transportation, personal property, moving and storage expenses, medical costs, cleaning and sanitization, and miscellaneous items.
In addition, through ONA, over 1,100 homeowners have been enrolled in Group Flood Insurance Policies (GFIP), contributing to reduced future expenses from floods.
Although the deadline for FEMA assistance applications closed in October of last year, FEMA has continued to assist disaster survivors, approving an additional $19 million for eligible Kentuckians since then.
Residents of Kentucky with questions about their pending applications or appeals are urged to reach out to the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362.
Stay informed about the ongoing flood recovery efforts in Kentucky by visiting fema.gov/disaster/4663 and following FEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion4. For additional resources and information, visit the Governor’s website at governor.ky.gov/disaster-response/flood-response.
