KLC is Here to Help During Severe Weather

Severe weather has hit Kentucky again, leaving many cities across the commonwealth dealing with flooding. The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) is here to help. Through our Cities Helping Cities program, KLC is available 24/7 to help cities through these difficult times and connect those in need with cities offering resources like equipment and employee support.

Mayors in affected areas with needs, or anyone able to offer assistance, can contact KLC Member Relations and Special Initiatives Manager Terri Johnson. 

Current Needs:

• Backhoe (loan or donate) - Elkhorn City
• Skid Steer (loan or donate) - Wayland
• Debris removal assistance – Warfield
  

​Governor Andy Beshear was joined in a news conference Tuesday morning by representatives from FEMA, Kentucky Emergency Management, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. He said the death toll from the flooding now stands at 14. Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, and President Donald Trump granted an emergency declaration for the commonwealth. As of Tuesday, Kentucky Emergency Management officials stated that four cities (Cadiz, Greenup, Manchester, and Paintsville) have declared emergencies via paper filing. Three others (Danville, Russellville, and Tompkinsville) have filed verbally.

KLC Director of Municipal Law Morgain Patterson recommends citing KRS 39B.070 when a city declares a state of emergency. KRS 39A.100 is also referenced as authority for state of emergency declarations but that statute is linked to the governor’s authority and expires 30 days after the declaration is signed.

The KLC Municipal Law Department is also available to discuss any questions regarding disaster declarations and related legal matters. We also encourage city officials to review the KLC Disaster Preparedness & Response Handbook, which provides valuable guidance.

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Video courtesy of Ben Childers