So called “back on their feet” legislation is aiding the tornado recovery in Kentucky’s hardest hit town. The March 2 tornado outbreak brought Kentucky’s 11th natural disaster declaration since 2008.
Friday, on an empty lot in West Liberty, Governor Steve Beshear ceremoniously signed three bills passed by lawmakers following the storms.
The location was symbolic because that is where Clark’s Station used to be, a small store and gas station. Owner John Clark is making a million dollar investment to build back on his lot and two he purchased on which homes were destroyed.
"We love West Liberty,” Clark, an oil company owner from Ashland, said of the project. He also lost a bulk plant in Morgan County to the tornado and a similar convenience store in Salyersville, another hard hit town.
He says the new store will be more than three times larger and employ more people. He will take advantage of one of the new laws.
A sales tax rebate on building supplies is being offered to storm victims who rebuild or do repair work. Clark estimates the tax break will be a 60 to $70,000 savings.
