“…this is in the hundreds of millions of dollars.”; Rebuild from floods to cost millions

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – The death toll from the historic Kentucky floods is now up to 6, according to Governor Andy Beshear.

Now clean up is underway for thousands whose homes were inundated by floodwaters.

Dozens of counties declaring states of emergency

During a Team Kentucky Update, Gov. Beshear estimated the cost of rebuilding homes, lives and businesses.

“In between the public assistance and the individual assistance, this is in the hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Beshear.

More than 70 counties throughout the Commonwealth have been devastated after the floods last weekend.

Many roads and bridges are still closed due to flooding.

High water levels from rivers and creeks have caused damage. Beshear says the state will apply for federal assistance on Friday (04/11), starting with 10 to 12 counties, to make their best case, before adding more.

“Now we’ve been through enough of these, we know that that is the fastest, most effective and most efficient process to do it.”

Beshear says this time, they will apply for individual assistance first.

“We know families need help and so we are changing our approach to prioritize getting families help first knowing that we can get that other application in.”

According to Beshear, if approved it will provide around $750 in initial help for immediate needs and cleaning supplies. Then there is around $42,ooo available to families for individual assistance.

To help with your application Beshear said, “Everybody needs to document, document, document. Take pictures of everything damaged, get as specific as you can.”

While progress has already been made cleaning up and reopening roads, Beshear reminds people to stay safe.

“It is still dangerous out there. Do not drive through water, do not drive around barricades, do not think you can drive around where the mudslides or the landslides are. Please be careful.”