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72 Kentucky Counties Eligible For Natural Disaster Grants

U.S.D.A Rural Development Kentucky Office

Local government and nonprofit agency officials in 72 Kentucky counties can apply for federal grant money to help recover from lingering impacts of natural disasters.  The majority of counties, many affected by flooding, are located in southeast and far western Kentucky.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Hilda Legg explained the grants, typically about $50,000 apiece can go toward various expenses. “It can be buildings.  It can be equipment.  It can be repairs on buildings and facilities.  It could be equipment for landing strips, transportation issues,” said Legg.

Legg said many county governments need to tap into local funds quickly in the aftermath of storm damage.  “Maybe a mayor had a chunk of change he was holding out to renovate the emergency services building or upgrade it in equipment.  Well, maybe that money had to be spent to mitigate a disaster.  So, we would be able to go in and help him with his EMS project,” noted Legg.

The federal government is making $150 million in grants available nationwide through this new program.  More than 100 types of projects are eligible for funding.  Legg says local officials with approved projects will hopefully receive grant funds within six months.

Stu Johnson is a reporter/producer at WEKU in Lexington, Kentucky.
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