Gov. Steve Beshear announced last week that President Obama granted Kentucky’s request for a major disaster declaration following the recent devastating winter snow and ice storm that left more than 400,000 without power at a cost of over $61 million.
The major disaster declaration increases the amount of federal assistance for the state. Some 29 storm-related fatalities occurred and 101 of the state’s 129 counties declared emergencies because of the storm.
On top of that, Kentucky’s general fund revenues are projected to fall $459 million below what is budgeted for fiscal 2009, which ends June 30.
The legislature is in session through the end of March.
