Beshear provides Team Kentucky update on tornado funding, baby formula state of emergency
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update Thursday on state funding and recovery nearing six months after the December tornadoes.
The governor said it is estimated that federal, state and Red Cross disaster assistance equaled more than $193.4 million. According to Beshear’s office, Kentucky’s efforts represented more than $108 million of awards through the SAFE Act Fund and the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. In addition, emergency programs have housed nearly 2,600 people.
June 10 will serve as the six-month mark of the tornadoes that struck western Kentucky.
“Tomorrow will be a special day when we celebrate the progress we’ve made, but we also will continue to remember and lift up the 81 lives lost and their families and communities,” said Beshear.
Beshear said his administration plans to keep the promise he made to residents of western Kentucky. This includes being there until every home and life is rebuilt from the disaster.
The governor established the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to assist recovery and relief efforts. Donations poured in from around the world, raising more than $52 million dollars to date. Beshear’s office stated that more than $26 million has been disbursed, with funding going toward funeral expenses, support for uninsured homeowners and renters and nonprofit home builders.
On Friday, Beshear will travel to Mayfield to help celebrate the first fully constructed new homes.
Beshear also declared a state of emergency regarding the shortage of baby formula in Kentucky. Beshear’s executive order activates state price-gouging laws, which aim to shield families from predatory pricing as they try to purchase much-needed baby formula.
Kentuckians should report baby formula price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General. Under current law, the state of emergency and price gouging laws can last for 30 days but can be extended.
