FRANKFORT, Ky. — As a result of the Dec. 10-11, 2021, quad-state tornado outbreak and storms, many local government records were damaged or lost. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives has announced the Local Records Emergency Disaster Recovery Assistance Grant is available for a maximum of $40,000 for each eligible local government agency to aid in the recovery, restoration or preservation of records.
“The recent storm and tornado disasters have had a far-reaching adverse effect on many Kentucky communities, including public agencies such as courthouses that handle and house important public documents,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The Local Records Emergency Disaster Recovery Assistance Grant can help local government agencies take care of those important documents to preserve them for future generations.”
“We want local agencies to do what’s necessary to recover these public documents without worrying or hesitating about funding the process,” said Terry Manuel, commissioner of KDLA and state librarian, archivist and records administrator.
The State Libraries, Archives, and Records Commission approved the use of some Local Records Program Grant funds for this emergency grant.
The grants may be used only for the direct recovery of damaged or at-risk local public documents resulting from the Dec. 10-11 tornado and storm outbreak in Kentucky, or to purchase equipment destroyed in the storm or its immediate aftermath necessary to allow the government office to access public records stored electronically and resume operations.
The application may be found at https://bit.ly/3sfsQ44. The Local Records Branch Manager Nicole Bryan may be contacted for further assistance at Nicole.Bryan@ky.gov or 502-564-1745.
KDLA, a part of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, provides equitable access to quality library and information resources and services, as well as helps public agencies ensure that legislatively mandated documentation of government programs is created, efficiently maintained and made accessible. For more information, visit kdla.ky.gov or call 502-564-1753.