By Angela Hatton
Paducah, KY – Recovery efforts continue as flood waters on the Ohio and Mississippi continue to recede. National Weather Service Meteorologist Robin Smith says the Ohio will likely still be above flood stage by the end of this week in Paducah and Smithland. Smith says rain will move in next weekend. He says rainfall amounts won't be high enough to impact falling floodwaters. The waters will be at moderate flood in Paducah, and minor flood stage in Smithland. The levels are now low enough that Paducah officials are working this week to remove the flood gates downtown. Officials are also reopening the Julian Carroll Convention Center and Expo Center for events this weekend.
FEMA is still working to evaluate eligibility for individual assistance for home-owners affected by flooding. Representatives return to Livingston and McCracken counties in the next few days to do further assessments. FEMA spokesperson Mike Wade could not give an estimate on how long assessments will take. He says the information will go to Governor Steve Beshear, who would make the individual assistance request.
Kentucky Transportation officials have reopened most Livingston County roadways. A 12-mile stretch of Highway 137/River Road remains closed because of a number of downed trees pushed over by strong river currents. Transportation spokesman Keith Todd says 137 may require extensive repairs. Highway 917 between Tiline and Iuka also reopens today.