President Biden grants Governor Kelly’s request for disaster assistance

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Federal aid has been approved for multiple Kansas counties after a winter storm in January caused substantial damages.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly was granted her request for a federal disaster declaration after snow, high winds and extreme cold temperatures hit the state from Jan. 8-16 in 2024.

“I am grateful that this request for federal assistance has been approved,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These federal funds will go a long way in supporting the restoration work by those in counties impacted by the winter storm.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) approval of the request allows state and local levels of government to apply for Public Assistance funds for emergency and permanent work for replacement or repair of infrastructure that was damaged by a disaster. Certain private nonprofit organizations that provide essential services will be allowed to apply for Public Assistance funds.

Federal disaster assistance is available for the state of Kansas to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by a winter storm from Jan. 8-16, 2024. Public assistance funding is available to the state, tribal, & eligible local governments.

🔗https://t.co/s3Ukb0pRxf pic.twitter.com/d5yNpz9Agq
— FEMA (@fema) April 29, 2024

The approved declaration activates the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) statewide for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards, officials said.

Kansas Counties named in the disaster declaration: