WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — As several states are dealing with the devastation from weekend tornadoes, Kansas has received notice that it can get federal help for a winter storm.
President Joe Biden has approved Governor Laura Kelly’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the severe winter weather that hit Kansas from Jan. 8-16.
Kansas was hit with extremely cold temperatures, high winds and heavy snow. Residents and local agencies were left dealing with icy roads, whiteout conditions, stranded people and vehicles, and power outages.
In April, Kelly asked Biden, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for help in recovering from the severe winter weather. Her request named these counties:
- Butler
- Chase
- Cloud
- Edwards
- Ford
- Geary
- Gray
- Hodgeman
- Morris
- Osage
- Ottawa
- Pawnee
- Shawnee
- Stafford
- Trego
- Wabaunsee
On Monday, FEMA announced that the president approved the request.
The declaration allows the state and local governments and some private nonprofits to apply for public assistance funds if the money will be used for repairing or replacing infrastructure damaged by the storms.
Federal funds are also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.
“I am grateful that this request for federal assistance has been approved,” Kelly said in a news release. “These federal funds will go a long way in supporting the restoration work by those in counties impacted by the winter storm.”
