Kentucky Governor Beshear Declares Emergency, Assures Assistance And Protection For Communities

Declaration enables state resources to be mobilized against winter storm

January 27, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today declared an emergency in Kentucky because of a powerful winter storm. The declaration enables state resources to be mobilized to assist cities and counties in coping with power outages and other damage wrought by ice and snow.

Article continues below...

“When winter weather hits, it is crucial that our citizens know that their state government is doing everything possible to ensure their safety and well-being,” the governor said in a news conference. “We are prepared to use every available resource to help Kentuckians make it through these rough conditions, whatever may come.”

A winter storm that blew into Kentucky on Monday has much of the commonwealth encrusted in ice and snow today. Some 60,000 Kentuckians are reported without power this afternoon, mostly in western Kentucky. Outage reports have come mostly west of Interstate 65 and south of I-64.

Gov. Beshear said primary areas of concern are roads, electric power, heating assistance and shelter.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet road crews worked through the night and are still working today to keep main routes at least passable. Crews have been hampered by downed trees and sagging power lines in many areas, especially in the Jackson Purchase and Pennyrile. At one point this morning, plows were out in 105 counties.

Snow turning to rain this afternoon raises the danger of more ice tonight and an additional hazard of water ponding on roadways.

In his news conference at the Transportation Operations Center (TOC), in Frankfort, Gov. Beshear said he and Transportation Secretary Joe Prather have directed all Department of Highways district offices to directly contact local government leaders to offer assistance and ensure efforts are coordinated.

The governor said the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) has been tracking this weather system since late last week and has maintained open communications with the National Weather Service Offices and state and local officials. Emergency Management regional response managers will continue to monitor their counties and facilitate any local official's request for assistance.

As of noon today, no weather-related injuries or deaths had been reported. However, 11 counties had declared states of emergency. Elsewhere, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government implemented its snow emergency plan, mostly to assist road crews. A shelter was opened in Hopkins County at the First Methodist Church, Madisonville, and is housing nine people.

Gov. Beshear also drew attention to the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a short-term aid program that is now in its “crisis” phase. Assistance during this component helps families facing home heating emergencies.

Community Action Kentucky (CAK) administers LIHEAP benefits through its network of 23 community action agencies under a contract with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Every county has at least one community action agency office.

The crisis component runs through March 31 or until funds are depleted. In the crisis assistance phase, maximum benefits vary depending on families’ fuel source.

As of mid-January, more than 49,500 applications had been approved for crisis assistance. Assistance may take the form of utility payment, service reconnection, blankets, space heaters on loan or deliveries of fuel like firewood, coal or propane. Relief is provided within 48 hours, or 18 hours in an emergency.

The governor also announced that nonessential state government employees were being sent home at 3 p.m. today and encouraged to use their best judgment about reporting to duty stations on Wednesday. “Safety is our top priority,” the governor said.

Source: Kentucky Governor