On Wednesday, President Joe Biden officially recognized a significant disaster in the State of Kansas, prompting the allocation of Federal assistance to enhance recovery efforts at the state, tribal, and local levels. This declaration follows the severe storm, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred on May 19, 2024, as detailed in a statement released by the White House.
Federal funding will be accessible to state, tribal, and qualifying local governments, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations, on a cost-sharing basis. This funding is intended for emergency response efforts and for the repair or replacement of facilities that sustained damage due to the severe weather events in various counties, including Barton, Ellsworth, Harvey, Hodgeman, Lincoln, Morris, Ottawa, Pawnee, Reno, Rush, Russell, Stafford, Wabaunsee, and Wyandotte.
Additionally, funding for hazard mitigation measures will be available statewide on a cost-sharing basis. Mr. Andrew P. Meyer from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been designated to oversee the coordination of Federal recovery operations in the impacted regions. It is also noted that further designations may be made in the future, contingent upon requests from the state and the outcomes of additional damage assessments.
