Gov. Beshear: Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available in 14 Counties for Those Impacted by Severe Storms and Floods
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 11, 2025) – Gov. Andy Beshear reminds Kentuckians that the state is now accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from individuals in 14 counties who are out of work due to the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred in Kentucky beginning on Feb. 14, 2025.
On Feb. 25, 2025, President Donald Trump approved Gov. Beshear’s request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration, which includes public assistance for local governments and individual assistance for Kentuckians in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry and Pike counties. On March 2, 2025, an amendment to that declaration was issued adding Estill, Johnson and Simpson counties to those eligible for individual assistance, including DUA.
Individuals – including unemployed and self-employed individuals who were living or working in the affected areas and became unemployed or had work interrupted as a direct result of severe storms and flooding that began on Feb. 14, 2025 – are eligible to apply for DUA benefits through the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance.
The deadline to file individual initial applications for DUA is 60 days after the presidential declaration of the major disaster that resulted in the individual becoming unemployed. Additional counties added after the initial declaration must adhere to the same 60-day application deadline. Affected individuals should visit the Kentucky Career Center website at kcc.ky.gov or call 502-564-2900 to file their initial claim. The deadline to apply for DUA is April 25, 2025.
DUA is available to individuals who:
- Worked or were self-employed, or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment;
- Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to their place of employment as a direct result of a disaster, which can also include the physical inaccessibility of the place of employment due to its closure by the federal, state or local government in immediate response to the disaster;
- Establish that the work or self-employment they can no longer perform was their primary source of income;
- Do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits from any state;
- Cannot work or resume self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster; or
- As a result of the disaster, became the breadwinner or major supporter of a household because of the death of the head of the household.
In order to qualify for DUA benefits, claimants in eligible counties must show that their employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of the disaster and that they are not otherwise eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits under state or federal law. Farmers and other self-employed individuals who traditionally are ineligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits may qualify for DUA.
To receive DUA benefits, the federal program requires individuals to provide documents, including a copy of their most recent federal or state income tax forms or check stubs, a bill showing their physical address at the time of the disaster and a photo ID. All required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the date the individual’s DUA application is filed.
DUA is available for 28 weeks of unemployment beginning Feb. 16, 2025, until Aug. 30, 2025, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a direct result of the disaster.
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Gov. Beshear, Lt. Gov. Coleman Celebrate Women’s History Month, Unveil Portraits of New ‘Kentucky Women Remembered’ Exhibit Inductees
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 10, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and the Kentucky Commission on Women to commemorate Women’s History Month and the impact women have made throughout Kentucky’s history. The Governor also helped unveil the portraits of the four newest inductees of the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit.
“Thank you to our Lieutenant Governor and all the Kentucky Commission on Women members who made today’s event possible,” Gov. Beshear said. “This is a historic day, where we will unveil new portraits for the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit. What we choose to hold in a place of honor in our Capitol demonstrates our shared priorities and our overarching values. And here in Kentucky, we recognize the incredible contributions of women to our commonwealth.”
Gov. Beshear announced the induction of these members to the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit in November 2024. Members of a selection panel unanimously recommended them to Gov. Beshear for his consideration to be added to the exhibit. Artists worked collaboratively with the inductees and create each unique portrait. They are a diverse group of talented Kentuckians who live all over the commonwealth.
Alberta O. Jones
During her brief life, Alberta was at the forefront of change in Kentucky and Louisville. She was one of the first African American women to pass the Kentucky Bar, the first female prosecutor in Kentucky and she was also Cassius Clay’s [Muhammad Ali’s] first attorney. Alberta was a civil rights activist. In addition to participating in the civil rights March on Washington and marches in Louisville, she rented voting machines and held classes to teach African Americans how to vote. She established the Independent Voters Association and was an active member of the Louisville Urban League and the NAACP. Tragically, in August 1965, at the age of 35, Alberta was murdered – and to this day, the case remains unsolved. Portrait created by Sarah Clevenger.
Ada Limón
Born in Sonoma, California, Ada earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from New York University but for quite some time called Lexington, Kentucky, home. She is the author of six books of poetry, including “The Carrying,” which won the National Book Critics Circle Award. In October 2023, she was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, and she was named a TIME magazine woman of the year in 2024. In July 2022, Ada was appointed as the 24th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. Her signature project, entitled “You Are Here,” focuses on how poetry can help connect us to the natural world. Portrait created by Deborah Slone.
Amanda Matthews
Amanda is an internationally recognized sculptor/designer of public art and the space it inhabits. She is also a writer, public speaker, filmmaker and CEO of Prometheus Art, a design/build firm in Lexington. Amanda serves as the chair of the Kentucky Oral History Commission, is a founding member of the Monumental Women of Kentucky Commission and is president of the board of directors of the Artemis Initiative, a public charity that seeks to elevate the status of women, children, minorities, nature and animals through public art. A commitment to fairness, civil rights and community is central to Amanda’s work, which honors the plight of those still seeking equality and emphasizes accessibility for all people. For years, she lobbied for the first woman to be honored with statuary in the Kentucky State Capitol and reshaped Kentucky history with her statue of Nettie Depp. She later created the Kentucky COVID Memorial – “United We Stand. Divided We Fall.” – located in the Capitol campus’s memorial garden. Portrait created by Ming Xuan Talley.
Kim Michele Richardson
Kim is a native Kentuckian and resident of Louisville whose storytelling captures the essence of her passion for the people of Kentucky. She is a New York Times, Los Angeles Times and USA Today author and advocate whose stories resonate with readers, transcending geographic boundaries and instilling a sense of appreciation for the culture and heritage of her beloved Kentucky. In her research into Kentucky history and women’s roles in it, she learned of a Kentucky teacher who was the founder of the Kentucky Moonlight Schools and the first adult literacy movement in the United States in the early 1900s, Cora Wilson Stewart. Kim was so moved by what Stewart had done that she purchased a grave marker for Stewart 65 years after her death. In 2024, Eastern Kentucky University recognized Kim for her distinguished service to arts and culture with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. Portrait created by Yanya Yang.
“The portraits of today’s inductees to the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit highlight the incredible impact these women had on the commonwealth,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “Team Kentucky is grateful for their contribution to making the commonwealth a better place. I am thrilled they will forever be honored inside our beautiful state Capitol.”
About the Kentucky Commission on Women
The Kentucky Commission on Women is dedicated to elevating the status of women and girls in the commonwealth, empowering them to overcome barriers to equity and expanding opportunities to achieve their fullest potential.
In response to President John F. Kennedy’s creation of The Commission on the Status of Women, Kentucky Gov. Edward T. Breathitt established a state commission in April 1964 to study and report on the status of Kentucky women. The findings demonstrated a pronounced need for a permanent agency to promote the improvement of women’s status. In November 1968, Gov. Louie Nunn signed the executive order establishing the Kentucky Commission on Women, and it became an official state agency through legislative action in 1970. The Kentucky Commission on Women became part of the Cabinet for General Government as an administrative body attached to the Governor's Office in 1980.
In January 2008, Gov. Steve Beshear relocated the Kentucky Commission on Women to the State Capitol for the first time in its history, and the Commission shared the same hall as the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit. In 2018, funding for the Commission on Women was eliminated.
When Gov. Andy Beshear was inaugurated in 2019, he tasked Lt. Gov. Coleman with resurrecting the Commission on Women, albeit without funding. The commissioners represent a diverse mix of personal and professional backgrounds and hail from all parts of the commonwealth.
About Kentucky Women Remembered
The Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit began as a display at the 1978 Kentucky State Fair that included six portraits of women from various backgrounds as a campaign to bring attention to outstanding women who made significant contributions to Kentucky’s history. In 1996, the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit, due to the advocacy of the Kentucky Commission on Women, found a permanent home in the West Wing of the State Capitol where it is visited by thousands of Kentuckians annually. Until last year, there had been no additions to the exhibit since 2014.
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Gov. Beshear Awards 19 Trail Towns More Than $540,000 in Grant Funding To Support Tourism, Recreation
Grant funding will provide support to enhance tourism
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 13, 2025) – Today, building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, Gov. Andy Beshear awarded $543,374 in grant funding to 19 Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote projects that boost the quality of life in Kentucky communities while attracting visitors from across the commonwealth and around the world.
“Our Kentucky Trail Town communities play a big role in contributing to Kentucky’s $13.8 billion tourism industry, highlighting the best outdoor recreational experiences across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “This funding provides the resources to create unforgettable experiences, share unique stories, highlight the beauty of our natural resources and welcome more people to experience the warmth and charm of our New Kentucky Home.”
The Trail Town grant award recipients are as follows:
- $30,000 – Brownsville
- $30,000 – Burkesville
- $30,000 – Campbellsville
- $30,000 – Cave City and Horse Cave
- $30,000 – Dawson Springs
- $30,000 – Hazard
- $30,000 – Jamestown
- $30,000 – Liberty
- $30,000 – Manchester
- $30,000 – McKee
- $30,000 – Munfordville
- $30,000 – Olive Hill
- $30,000 – Park City
- $30,000 – Stearns
- $29,724 – Hyden
- $27,250 – Irvine and Ravenna
- $26,400 – Livermore
- $25,000 – Elizabethtown
- $15,000 – Pikeville
Last year, Gov. Beshear signed legislation allocating $720,000 in funding to support a new Kentucky Trail Town grant program. Certified Kentucky Trail Towns are eligible for up to $30,000 in funding for recreational projects, including trail development and maintenance, project enhancements and marketing efforts.
Brownsville plans to use grant funding to enhance accessibility for travelers by providing an ADA-compliant launch ramp, as well as new signage, a trailhead bike rack, community events and marketing initiatives. Venessa Ulm, director of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission and representative of Brownsville Trail Town, highlighted the importance of improving access to trails and waterways.
“The Edmonson County Tourism Commission is committed to providing accessibility and ease of movement while on the trails in our community. Our natural terrain offers a variety of exciting trails, which means trail identification, signage and maintenance are pivotal for providing the ultimate trail town experience,” said Ulm. “Time on the trails has the ability to connect us with nature, encourage healthy lifestyles and offer opportunities to relish in the local flavor of our communities, and this generous grant will allow us to greatly enhance our efforts in these endeavors as our community and visitors continue to seek a bevy of outdoor experiences.”
Elizabethtown will utilize grant funding for trail enhancements, promotion of local events, and signage installation. Janna Clark, executive director of Elizabethtown Tourism and Convention Bureau, emphasized creating safer spaces to maintain a vibrant trail town community.
“Boosting funding for our trail system is crucial to sustaining our thriving trail tourism economy. We deeply appreciate Gov. Beshear and the Kentucky legislature for their continued support of our Greenspace Organization,” said Clark. “By keeping our natural trails safe, well-maintained and accessible, we provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the beauty of our community up close, fostering a deeper connection with our region.”
The Kentucky Trail Town program is a tourism and economic development program designed to provide a strategic plan for communities to capitalize on recreation opportunities. Each Trail Town has made the public commitment to share their outdoor opportunities, culture, history and stories with guests seeking adventure.
The 30 certified Kentucky Trail Towns are: Berea; Brownsville; Burkesville; Campbellsville; Cave City and Horse Cave; Columbia; Dawson Springs; Elizabethtown; Elkhorn City; the Harlan County Tri-Cities of Cumberland, Benham and Lynch; Hazard; Hyden; Irvine and Ravenna; Jamestown; Liberty; Leitchfield; Livermore; Livingston; London; Manchester; McKee; Morehead; Morgantown; Munfordville; Olive Hill; Park City; Pikeville; Royalton; Slade; and Stearns.
Today’s Kentucky Trail Town award announcement builds on recent economic momentum in the commonwealth, including within the tourism industry.
Last year, to capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear announced New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.
During the 2024 legislative session, Gov. Beshear signed legislation releasing $71 million for capital construction projects at Kentucky State Parks, including building systems upgrades, accommodation improvements and recreational amenity enhancements. Gov. Beshear also signed a bill allocating over $66 million for state park upgrades for various parks.
In 2024, the Governor announced that 2023 was the best year on record for tourism, with $13.8 billion in economic impact and 95,222 jobs. This followed a record-breaking 2022 when he announced that tourism had generated more than $12.9 billion in economic impact and sustained 91,668 jobs in Kentucky that year.
In December 2024, Gov. Beshear announced that the commonwealth achieved another historic milestone, marking a new record with 10 new tourism development projects set to generate an estimated $256 million in economic investment. These projects also are expected to create 1,696 jobs once operational.
Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, 33 tourism development projects totaling an estimated investment of $1 billion have received final approval. Once operational, these projects will create roughly 4,825 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
In 2022, Gov. Beshear announced $75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy. Previously, the Governor dedicated $5.3 million in federal funding to 103 tourism and destination marketing organizations in 88 Kentucky counties.
For more information on Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov. For more information on exploring Kentucky’s great outdoors, including Kentucky Trail Towns, visit Kentuckytourism.com.
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Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 13, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on upcoming weather, storm recovery, awards to boost tourism, School Social Work Month and upcoming events at the Capitol. The Governor also named the four new inductees to the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Upcoming Weather
The Governor updated Kentuckians on upcoming weather forecasts for this weekend. Strong non-thunderstorm winds are expected late Friday afternoon into Saturday, with wind gusts in excess of 40 mph likely, especially after midnight. A line of strong to severe storms will also move eastward across the commonwealth on Friday night into early Saturday morning, with the greatest severe risk over Western Kentucky. Primary threats include damaging winds, tornadoes and isolated hail.
Much of this weather is expected to continue into Saturday, with thunderstorms and 1-3 inches of rain possibly leading to flash flooding Saturday afternoon and evening. This includes a chance of minor flooding on the Green River downstream of Munfordville by early next week. These predictions are currently rated as Moderate Risk.
“We are receiving reports of this weather two days in advance, which is uncommon and allows us even more time to prepare,” said Gov. Beshear. “So please take time to prepare for possible bad weather and make a plan to stay safe.”
Storm Recovery
The Governor reported that Kentucky has now received approval for public assistance for an additional 30 counties affected by February flooding and storms. The federal Expedited Major Disaster Declaration, which includes individual assistance for Kentuckians in 14 counties.
As of March 12, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had approved more than $18.8 million in housing and other types of assistance to more than 3,000 Kentucky households. More applications are being processed daily. There are now 11 Disaster Recovery Centers open. State highway closures have decreased to eight, which includes six from mudslides and rockslides. Engineering teams continue to respond and assess damage.
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians the state is now accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from individuals in 14 counties who are out of work due to the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred in Kentucky beginning Feb. 14, 2025. The deadline to apply for DUA is April 25, 2025.
Kentucky received a two-day extension from the federal government for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), which provides food assistance to low-income households affected by natural disasters. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 14, 2025. As of March 10, 2,565 applications had been received and 466 households were approved, which includes 1,699 individuals. The average benefit is more than $660. To apply, call 855-306-8959 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EDT, or visit your local Department for Community Based Services office. Those receiving SNAP benefits also have until March 17 to request and apply for a replacement of benefits due to power outages and other impacts.
The Governor also reminded Kentuckians that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved disaster loans for 22 Kentucky counties. Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at lending.sba.gov. The filing deadline for physical property damage is April 25, 2025. The deadline for economic injury applications is Nov. 24, 2025.
Kentucky state parks are sheltering 244 people at five state resort parks and 34 people in travel trailers. Click here and navigate to the “Emergency Shelters” tab for an up-to-date list of shelter locations. Flood survivors are encouraged to visit HousingCantWait.org to fill out an interest form for help with housing. Last week, the Governor designated a new high-ground community in Breathitt County with plans for 17 homes. This brings the total to 8 high-ground communities for flood survivors in five counties.
Kentucky Trail Towns
Building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, the Governor announced $543,374 in grant funding to 19 Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote projects that boost the quality of life in Kentucky communities while attracting visitors from across the commonwealth and around the world. For a full list of award recipients, see the full release.
School Social Work Month
The Governor signed a proclamation recognizing March as School Social Work Month in the commonwealth.
“School social workers are our boots on the ground, doing the work every single day to create a positive environment in our schools,” said Gov. Beshear. “They look out for our children and connect them to resources they need to thrive.”
Tish Brookins, certified district school social worker for Jefferson County Public Schools, and Tonya Branch, a mental health specialist for Fayette County Schools, joined the news conference.
“Thank you, Gov. Beshear, for your leadership and for recognizing the essential work of school social workers,” said Brookins. “Together, we are building stronger schools, stronger families and a stronger Kentucky.”
Easter Celebration and Team Kentucky Derby Week Kick-Off
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentucky families about two upcoming events in April. First, an Easter celebration will take place Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m. on the South Lawn of the Capitol – the outdoor space between the Capitol and the Capitol Annex. The event will include family activities such as an Easter egg hunt, games, crafts, food trucks and a visit with the Easter Bunny.
Second, Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians that this year’s Team Kentucky Derby Week Kick-off will be held Saturday, April 26, from noon to 5 p.m. on the South Lawn of the Capitol. The event will have live musical performances, food trucks, games, crafts and Commonfest for the adults, where attendees can purchase beer and spirits from dozens of Kentucky breweries, wineries and craft distillers.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
On Monday, Gov. Beshear joined Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and the Kentucky Commission on Women to commemorate Women’s History Month. The Governor also helped unveil the portraits of the four newest inductees of the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit. The women who had their portraits unveiled are Alberta O. Jones, Ada Limón, Amanda Matthews and Kim Michele Richardson.
“What we choose to hold in a place of honor in our Capitol demonstrates our shared priorities and our overarching values – and here in Kentucky, we recognize the incredible contributions of women to our commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “I’m so proud that each of these women will have their portrait hung in our Capitol, and I’m proud to name them as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. Their portraits will be a daily reminder for current and future generations of what it means to be an outstanding Kentucky woman.”
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