President Biden grants request for disaster declaration in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. ( KSNT ) — President Joe Biden approved Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s request for help after severe weather damaged the state earlier this year.

The approval for Kelly’s June 26 request for a federal disaster declaration was prompted by damage reported in multiple Kansas counties from April 25-30, according to an announcement from the Adjutant General’s Department. The damage was caused by large hail, tornadoes, damaging winds, and flooding.

“I am grateful that the request has been approved,” Kelly said. “These funds will go a long way in supporting the restoration work by the impacted counties.”

The declaration allows for state and local levels of government, along with some private nonprofit organizations that provide vital and essential services, to apply for public assistance funds for emergency and permanent work for the repair or replacement of infrastructure damaged during the disaster. It also activates the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

In total, 12 counties are named in this report. They include:

• Allen
• Anderson
• Chautauqua
• Bourbon
• Cherokee
• Elk
• Greenwood
• Linn
• Morris
• Neosho
• Pottawatomie
• Wilson

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