Kentucky Gets Federal Backup After Big Winter Storm Hits Hard
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Notice
Summary
A big winter storm hit Kentucky starting January 23, 2026, causing serious problems. The President declared an emergency on January 24, so the state can get federal help to protect people and property. The government will cover 75% of eligible costs for emergency actions, helping Kentucky bounce back faster.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal Emergency Declared for Kentucky
The President declared an emergency for the Commonwealth of Kentucky on January 24, 2026, for a severe winter storm that began January 23, 2026. The declaration authorizes emergency protective measures (Category B) as direct Federal assistance for all 120 counties.
Federal Pays 75% of Eligible Emergency Costs
Federal funds provided under the Stafford Act for Public Assistance in this emergency are limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs. The declaration was issued January 24, 2026, and applies to emergency protective measures authorized under the declaration.
Disaster Housing & Other Needs Assistance Available
The notice lists Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and Households (CFDA 97.048 and 97.049) and Other Needs Assistance (CFDA 97.050) for reporting and drawing funds related to the declared emergency. These programs can provide housing help and other needs support for affected renters and homeowners in Kentucky.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance & Support Programs
The notice lists several federal programs (for example, Disaster Unemployment Assistance CFDA 97.034, Crisis Counseling CFDA 97.032, and Disaster Legal Services CFDA 97.033) to be used for reporting and drawing funds after the emergency. These programs can provide unemployment help, counseling, and legal aid to people affected by the winter storm.
Other Federal Disaster Funding Streams Identified
The notice lists additional CFDA programs for reporting and drawing funds relating to the emergency, including Community Disaster Loans (97.030), Fire Management Assistance (97.046), Disaster Grants—Public Assistance (97.036), and Hazard Mitigation Grant (97.039). These funding streams support community recovery, firefighting, public-assistance grants, and mitigation actions in the declared emergency.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08834, District of Columbia; Emergency and Related Determinations
The President declared an emergency in Washington, D.C. because a sewer line collapsed starting January 19, 2026. This means the city can get federal help to protect people and fix the damage, with the government covering 75% of eligible costs. The emergency declaration started on February 20, 2026, and allows quick action to keep everyone safe and speed up repairs.
Next: 2026-08836, Maryland; Amendment No. 1 to Notice of an Emergency Declaration
Maryland’s emergency declaration from January 24, 2026, just got an official update! The emergency period officially ended on January 27, 2026, which means disaster aid programs are now set and ready to help affected folks. This update keeps the money flowing for things like housing, legal help, and fire management, so Marylanders can keep bouncing back strong.