More federal aid coming to Kentucky after severe weather

Concerns rise over FEMA's future amid funding discussions

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Cleanup is in full effect across the commonwealth as Kentuckians assess damages. Now, individuals, businesses, and nonprofits across multiple counties can apply for newly approved federal funding, after President Donald Trump approved major disaster declaration for Kentucky Monday.

“It would also open individual assistance with the max grant award of $43,600. We would hope that as many people would qualify for as much of that as possible,” said Gov. Andy Beshear.

However, concerns are growing over the future of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after former President Donald Trump called the agency “very expensive” while speaking to governors in Washington.

“I’m of the opinion—I understand FEMA very well. We had a good situation with FEMA, but it was a very expensive thing to do, and I really believe when there’s a natural disaster, hurricane, a tornado or whatever it may be, you’re very capable people. It’s called you fix it,” said President Donald Trump.

While federal funding is now available for Kentuckians, Beshear emphasized the importance of these funds, noting that over the last five years, Kentucky has faced 13 federally declared disasters.

“You look at the amount of help that came from the federal government after the tornadoes and the 2022 floods, and while there were challenges with it, and while I don’t think enough people were told yes, and while I don’t think enough money went to the people who were told yes. And I will continue to criticize FEMA for that piece, we still had tens of millions of dollars going directly to families,” said Gov. Beshear.

Some worry that if FEMA were removed and federal aid decisions were left to individual states, it could slow the rate at which funding is allocated.