Beshear Requests Major Disaster Declaration

{Kentucky}...Governor Steve Beshear has requested a major disaster declaration from President Barack Obama for parts of eastern Kentucky damaged by flooding, high winds and tornadoes that began June 19th. Bell, Breathitt, Knott, Knox, Lee, Magoffin and Perry counties have requested public assistance, while Bell, Breathitt, Knox, Lee and Perry have also requested individual and household assistance. Evaluation teams estimate public sector damages are more than $5.7 million and more than 350 homes and 65 businesses were heavily damaged or destroyed in the storms. One death was attributed to the storms.A major disaster declaration allows individuals, businesses and governments to seek financial assistance from the federal government for cleanup, repair and replacement of property.