FRANKFORT, Ky. — Today, Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on new economic development projects, historic flooding in Eastern Kentucky, Red Cross blood drives, the Kentucky State Fair, a scholarship for nursing students, COVID-19 and monkeypox. He also named those who donated $15,000 or more to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“It is important, even for those who have been through the most difficult of times these last couple of weeks, to see that there is a big bright future in front of us. Yes, we might get knocked down, but we don’t get knocked out, and we also don’t get knocked backward,” Gov. Beshear said. “As a commonwealth, we can pick up our brothers and sisters in the west and the east, rebuild lives, rebuild towns and also move forward in providing the type of economic opportunity for our kids and our kids’ kids that we have always dreamed of.”
Economic Development Update
Today, the Governor highlighted two economic development projects. Combined, they are investing $25 million and creating 450 jobs.
Yesterday, Gov. Beshear welcomed the opening of Confluent Health LLC’s new company headquarters as leaders and local officials held the grand opening for the $10 million project that will create 350 full-time Kentucky jobs.
Earlier today, the Governor congratulated DAS Cos. Inc., a distributor of automotive supplies, travel gear and mobile electronics, on the announcement of the company’s new distribution center in Simpson County, which is creating 100 full-time jobs with a $15 million investment.
Eastern Kentucky Flood Update
Fatalities
Gov. Beshear said there are 39 confirmed fatalities in five counties:
- 8 in Breathitt;
- 2 in Clay;
- 19 in Knott;
- 3 in Letcher; and
- 7 in Perry.
Missing Persons
Two people remain missing from Breathitt County – Vanessa Baker, a 60-year-old woman and Nancy Cundiff, a 29-year-old woman – both from the Lost Creek Community. If you have any information about either of these individuals, please contact Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard at 606-435-6069.
Shelters
There are 455 people being housed in state parks, churches, schools and community centers. Kentucky State Parks are currently housing 319 people.
Travel Trailers
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has delivered 94 travel trailers to four sites: Jenny Wiley State Park, Carr Creek State Park, Mine Made Campground and Crockettsville Campground. Individuals seeking emergency sheltering in travel trailers can find more information and register at governor.ky.gov/FloodResources or call 502-234-1225 to register.
Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund
The total number of donations is 34,157 and the donated amount stands at $6,715,099. A total of 39 funeral payments have been dispersed totaling $390,000. To donate online, visit TeamEKYFloodReliefFund.ky.gov.
Power Outages
All wireless providers are reporting full restoration. 95% of power outages were restored as of Aug. 4. There are currently 74 outages, down from 27,000 on July 29.
Water Outages
Drinking Water: 2,634 service connections are without water, down from 40,000 on July 28; and 22,371 service connections are under a Boil Water Advisory, down from 46,000 on July 28.
FEMA
More than $42 million in grants have been approved under the FEMA Individuals and Households Program for 5,267 households:
- This includes nearly $32.4 million in Housing Assistance grants to homeowners to bring their damaged properties to a sanitary and habitable condition; and
- $8 million in Other Needs Assistance provides grants to provide applicants for immediate needs such as medical and dental expenses, moving and storage, funeral costs and childcare.
“There’s a lot of moving pieces, and we’re going to try to further drill down on the different buckets. How many are pending, how many have been denied, how many have been denied and then later approved, what are the reasons,” Gov. Beshear said. “We are getting more transparency and more numbers. I will help us to be good advocates and it will help families to know the additional work they need to do.”
In addition to a Disaster Recovery Center, Kentuckians can also apply through FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov, on their mobile app and by calling 800-621-3362. Two Mobile Registration Centers are now open in Magoffin and Owsley counties from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To see the locations, visit governor.ky.gov/FloodResources. Gov. Beshear encouraged those who have been approved for assistance to sign up for direct deposit with FEMA. Call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) to sign up for electronic deposits.
Roadways and Bridges Update
100% of assessments on public bridges have been completed, with 1,098 bridges inventoried: 75 bridges have been identified for replacement, and an additional 75 bridges have been identified as needing repair.
Debris
As of Wednesday, Aug. 17, 1,199 loads of debris have been removed. Flood victims needing debris to be picked up can place most types of debris on state and county rights-of-way in front of their houses, sorted into piles of different types of debris: construction and demolition materials; electronic items; household hazardous material in non-leak containers; household appliances; and vegetative debris. Victims that need help having debris moved to rights-of-way can call Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster at 606-268-0896. Cleanup of flood debris from creeks and streams is expected to begin this Saturday, Aug. 20.
Crisis and Behavioral Health Support for Flood Victims
Gov. Beshear announced that there are 32 crisis counselors in the areas impacted by flooding in Eastern Kentucky. Crisis counseling teams will work through the local Community Mental Health Centers to provide support and awareness. Since Aug. 3, 2,413 crisis and behavioral health contacts have been made by center staff and Kentucky Crisis Counseling Team members on the ground in Eastern Kentucky. They are stationed at DRCs, shelters and other congregant locations, as well as going door-to-door to raise awareness of available resources. For more information, visit governor.ky.gov/FloodResources.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Tuesday, Gov. Beshear, First Lady Britainy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman donated blood at an American Red Cross blood drive in the Capitol Rotunda.
“We are going through some incredibly tough times in Kentucky, and the importance of donating blood has never been higher,” Gov. Beshear said. “One way that we can make sure we are there for those who were there for us is to ensure we have a blood supply in this country that is there and ready to help those that experience physical trauma during one of these disasters.”
This summer, the American Red Cross faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations. This has led to a 20% drop in the blood supply. This decline may soon make it tougher to keep blood products stocked on hospital shelves. During the event, the Governor encouraged Kentuckians to visit RedCrossBlood.org to find a blood drive or donation location near them and to donate blood to help those in need.
Kentucky State Fair
Today, the Governor attended the Kentucky State Fair’s Commodity Appreciation Breakfast and celebrated the hard work of Kentucky farmers. He also attended the Fair’s Opening Ceremonies and visited several booths. The Governor encouraged everyone to attend this year’s state fair to celebrate all that makes Kentucky special.
“For many families, I hope this is a chance to take a breath with everything we’ve been through these last two-and-a-half years, to bring many generations together to continue great traditions, and ultimately to see so much of what our state has to offer,” Gov. Beshear said.
HCTC and ARH Nursing Scholarship
The Governor congratulated Hazard Community and Technical College and Appalachian Regional Healthcare on announcing a new scholarship for nursing students.
“We know the nationwide nursing shortage is hurting everyone, and that’s especially true in our Eastern Kentucky region,” Gov. Beshear said. “The ARH Healthcare Scholarship is part of the solution.”
Students who have been accepted into and enrolled in HCTC’s two-year nursing program will be eligible to apply. After completing licensing requirements, students can receive up to $15,000 with a commitment to work at ARH. For more information, visit hazardctv.com/ARHscholarship.
Health Updates: COVID-19; Monkeypox
Gov. Beshear said COVID-19 continues to spread in Kentucky, but he is hopeful that most communities will have a plateau or slight decline. Several Kentucky counties are now back to a low (green) COVID-19 Community Level.
The Governor encouraged those who are sick to stay home to avoid spreading disease to others. If you are sick or have had a known close contact to someone with COVID-19, please test yourself to lower the risk of spreading the virus unknowingly to others.
A total of 17 cases of monkeypox have been identified in Kentucky. All cases have occurred in adults. Anyone who is concerned they may have symptoms of monkeypox or who may have been exposed to the monkeypox virus should talk to their health care provider. Anyone who is eligible for the vaccine should contact their local health department to identify options for obtaining the vaccine.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor recognized the corporate and community partners who have donated over $15,000 to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
- Kentucky Association of Health Plans – $100,000
- Jim Beam Brands Co. – $50,000
- Brown-Forman Corp. – $30,000
- River Metals Recycling – $25,000
- Rent-A-Center Customers & Co-workers – $25,000
- NTS Development Co. – $25,000
- Wieland North America Inc. – $15,000
Gov. Beshear also recognized the Kentucky Distillers Association, which is hosting a bourbon auction with all proceeds going to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund. The auction is now open through Aug. 21. Visit kybourbonbenefit.com for more information.
“100% of the funds raised from the Kentucky Bourbon Auction will go to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund. Last time, people not only enjoyed it, but you could tell that they were really giving because they wanted to help,” Gov. Beshear said. “Thank you to all these companies that are really going above and beyond.”
