Gov. Beshear: FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Counties Approved for Individual Assistance for April’s Floods
Centers help families affected by flooding apply for federal assistance
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 28, 2025) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced that FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are open in eight of the first 13 counties approved for Individual Assistance for April’s floods.
Families in the first 13 counties approved for Individual Assistance – Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford – can visit any DRC for recovery assistance and to apply for federal aid. All 13 counties are expected to have a DRC by April 30.
Click here to view the hours and locations of the Disaster Recovery Centers. The centers are opening following President Donald Trump’s partial approval of the Governor’s April 11 request for a Major Disaster Declaration.
“We are grateful to be working with FEMA to open these centers in each of the declared counties,” Gov. Beshear said. “These centers allow our families that have already been through so much the opportunity to talk directly with an expert who will help them start their recovery and rebuilding process.”
The Governor will request that additional counties be added to the declaration through an amendment once ongoing assessments are complete. The Governor’s requests for Public Assistance for 33 counties and hazard mitigation for the entire state are still pending.
How to Apply: Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or other similar service, can give FEMA the number for that service.
When applying for assistance, make sure:
- You apply for the correct declaration (April Flood DR-4864).
- You upload your documents online via the FEMA App or by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Your damaged home is your primary residence.
- You haven’t received assistance for the same losses from another source, including insurance.
- You are able to be reached by FEMA at the contact information you provide in the application.
If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you may appeal:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- In person at a Disaster Recovery Centers, which will open in coming days.
- Or by mail or fax.
As the rains led to widespread flooding, Gov. Beshear declared a state of emergency and activated the State Emergency Operations Center and the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the severe weather. The price gouging prohibition was renewed April 17.
Following the storms, the Governor urged local officials to start the federal Individual Assistance and Public Assistance damage assessments and asked Kentuckians who experienced storm damage to take photographs before cleaning up and to report the damages to their local emergency management officials.
How To Help: The Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund was established after the severe weather in February and will serve survivors of that and additional natural disasters. As with previous relief funds, these dollars will first help pay for victims’ funeral expenses. To donate, click here.
###
Gov. Beshear Opens New Law Enforcement Training Facility Named in Honor of Fallen Officer Jody Cash
State-of-the-art facility provides officers with intensive and specialized training to enhance public safety across the commonwealth
RICHMOND, Ky. (April 28, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear was joined by members of the Cash family, the Kentucky law enforcement community and the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) to officially open the doors to the new law enforcement training facility named in honor of Jody Cash, who lost his life in the line of duty May 16, 2022, while serving as chief deputy of the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office.
“Today we are here to remember Chief Deputy Jody Cash and honor his legacy by dedicating this new training facility,” Gov. Beshear said. “I’m grateful for our partners who helped make this project happen, and my family and I are praying for the safety of each recruit and officer who passes through these doors.”
The Beshear administration broke ground on the Jody Cash Multipurpose Training Facility in July 2023. The facility is a 42,794-square-foot facility with a 50-yard, 30-lane firing range designed for officers to learn intensive and specialized training that will support training all of Kentucky’s law enforcement agencies.
“This state-of-the-art facility will provide recruits and students with the advanced training they need to face the evolving challenges of law enforcement,” said Department of Criminal Justice Training Commissioner Mike Bosse. “By equipping our officers with the skills and experience necessary to protect and serve, we will create a safer Kentucky for generations to come.”
Jody Cash’s father, Wayne Cash, spoke of a life well-lived by Deputy Cash and recognized the recruits who will become tomorrow’s heroes in his son’s honor: “Our hope is that the training received in this new facility will enable everyone who passes through it to do their job safely, efficiently and courteously and return safely to their family at the end of each day.”
Jody Cash graduated from DOCJT Basic Training Class 278 and was valedictorian of Kentucky State Police (KSP) Academy Class 89. He was a 22-year law enforcement veteran, serving with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Murray State University Police and KSP. Cash retired from KSP with the rank of sergeant before joining the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Cash also worked with DOCJT as a peer mentor through the Kentucky Post-Critical Incident Seminar, supporting officers after traumatic or distressing events.
Gov. Beshear has taken several steps to support law enforcement while creating safer communities.
Today’s grand opening was held two months after the Governor opened a law enforcement basic training academy in Western Kentucky. Training is held in a building provided by the Madisonville Police Department, while Team Kentucky constructs a $50 million multipurpose training facility in Madisonville. This is the first time since basic training became mandatory in 1998, Kentucky is offering training in two locations.
Since December 2019, the administration has graduated 1,993 officers from the basic training academy after receiving more than 800 hours of recruit-level instruction over the course of 20 weeks.
The Governor has awarded more than $12 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies with enhancing public and officer safety, curbing the sale of illegal drugs and fighting addiction, and more than $149 million in grant funding to victim service agencies across the commonwealth.
Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky has secured another low recidivism rate. Nearly 70% of people released from state custody over the past two years have not been re-incarcerated.
The 2023 Crime in Kentucky report, released in July of last year, indicates crime rates have remained stable with a decline in offenses for homicide, burglary, robbery, sex offenses, kidnapping and gambling. For the last three consecutive years, homicide rates have been declining.
In June, Gov. Beshear announced that the 2023 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report showed that the commonwealth saw a nearly 10% decrease in drug overdose deaths last year. This is the second consecutive annual decrease.
The most recent budget signed by the Governor raises the law enforcement training stipend to an all-time high of $4,562 by fiscal year 2026. For the first-time in the state’s history, the stipend is provided to part-time law enforcement officers.
###
Gov. Beshear: Major Disaster Declaration, Individual Assistance Issued for Kentuckians in 13 Counties Following Widespread Flooding in April
Request for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation still pending
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 25, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that President Donald Trump has approved part of his April 11 request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which includes Individual Assistance for Kentuckians in 13 of the counties affected by the most recent flooding. The Governor’s requests for Public Assistance for 33 counties and hazard mitigation for the entire state are still pending.
Individual Assistance has been approved for Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford counties. The Governor will request that additional counties be added to the declaration through an amendment once ongoing assessments are complete.
“This declaration is crucial because so many Kentucky families have been significantly affected by this event, and the greatest impact has been felt by our families whose homes were flooded,” Gov. Beshear said. “We are again thankful to President Trump and his administration for approving this critical funding. Just like before, we will get through this – together. And I promise that we will be there for our people as long as it takes.”
How to Apply: Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or other similar service, can give FEMA the number for that service.
When applying for assistance, make sure:
- You upload your documents online via the FEMA App or by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Your damaged home is your primary residence.
- You haven’t received assistance for the same losses from another source, including insurance.
- You are able to be reached by FEMA at the contact information you provide in the application.
If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you may appeal:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- In person at a Disaster Recovery Centers, which will open in coming days.
- Or by mail or fax.
As the rains began that eventually led to widespread flooding, Gov. Beshear declared a state of emergency, activated the State Emergency Operations Center and the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the severe weather. The price gouging prohibition was renewed April 17.
Following the storms, the Governor urged local officials to start the federal Individual Assistance and Public Assistance damage assessments and asked Kentuckians who experienced storm damage to take photographs before cleaning up and to report the damages to their local emergency management officials.
How To Help: The Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund was established after the severe weather in February and will serve survivors of that and additional natural disasters. As with previous relief funds, these dollars will first help pay for victims’ funeral expenses. To donate, click here.
###
Gov. Beshear Requests More Counties Be Approved for Federal Assistance Following April’s Floods
Governor adds 16 counties to request for Individual Assistance;
64 counties now await approval for Public Assistance
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 29, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that he has sent two additional requests to FEMA seeking aid for families and communities affected by April’s floods.
First, the Governor is requesting families in 16 more counties receive Individual Assistance to help them recover. On April 25, the Governor announced that President Donald Trump had approved part of his April 11 request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which included Individual Assistance for Kentuckians in 13 of the counties affected by the most recent flooding.
Second, the Governor is now requesting Public Assistance for 64 counties in which FEMA has validated damages. The Governor also renewed his request for approval for hazard mitigation for the entire state.
At the time of the initial request, the Governor noted that more counties would be added to the declaration through an amendment process as assessments are completed.
“As promised, today we are asking President Trump to approve federal aid for additional counties and families affected by April’s floods,” Gov. Beshear said. “These funds are crucial in helping our families and communities rebuild, and we are planning to add even more counties later this week. We are committed to making sure our families get the help they need.”
Yesterday, the Governor announced that FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are open in eight of the first 13 counties approved for Individual Assistance for April’s floods.
Families in the first 13 counties approved for Individual Assistance – Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford – can visit any DRC for recovery assistance and to apply for federal aid. All 13 counties are expected to have a DRC by April 30.
Click here to view the hours and locations of the Disaster Recovery Centers.
How to Apply: Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or other similar service, can give FEMA the number for that service.
When applying for assistance, make sure:
- You apply for the correct declaration (April Flood DR-4864).
- You upload your documents online via the FEMA App or by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Your damaged home is your primary residence.
- You haven’t received assistance for the same losses from another source, including insurance.
- You are able to be reached by FEMA at the contact information you provide in the application.
If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you may appeal:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- In person at a Disaster Recovery Centers, which will open in coming days.
- Or by mail or fax.
Click here to learn more about FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, which provides financial assistance and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster.
Click here to learn more about FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial and local governments, as well as certain types of private nonprofit organizations, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters.
As the rains led to widespread flooding, Gov. Beshear declared a state of emergency and activated the State Emergency Operations Center and the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the severe weather. The price gouging prohibition was renewed April 17.
Following the storms, the Governor urged local officials to start the federal Individual Assistance and Public Assistance damage assessments and asked Kentuckians who experienced storm damage to take photographs before cleaning up and to report the damages to their local emergency management officials.
How To Help: The Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund was established after the severe weather in February and will serve survivors of that and additional natural disasters. As with previous relief funds, these dollars will first help pay for victims’ funeral expenses. To donate, click here.
###
Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 1, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on declining overdose deaths in the commonwealth, the booming labor market, economic development, REAL ID and driver’s license renewals and severe weather recovery. Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman joined the Governor to provide an update on the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative and how to recognize and report human trafficking. The Governor named everyone who has worked to decrease the number of drug overdose deaths as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Overdose Report
Gov. Beshear announced that overdose deaths in the commonwealth decreased for the third year in a row, with a 30.2% decrease in 2024 compared with the previous year. See the full release for more.
“I am thankful that more Kentuckians are alive and in recovery today compared with last year,” Gov. Beshear said. “But we still mourn and grieve our 1,410 Kentuckians who lost their life last year to addiction and the many more who we lost before that. Every life lost is a child of God, and someone’s mom, dad, son, daughter and loved one. We won’t stop until every Kentuckian is saved from addiction.”
Labor Market
The Governor provided an update on Kentucky’s labor market. He reported that not only have labor force numbers fully rebounded from the pandemic, but they are at their highest levels in the history of the commonwealth.
As of March 2025, the number of people employed in Kentucky is 2,006,555. This represents an increase of 32,718 compared to February 2020 – just before the pandemic. Additionally, jobs filled, representing total nonfarm employment, has increased by 99,600 jobs or 5.1%. The number of nonfarm jobs in Kentucky has grown at a faster rate than jobs nationally. The civilian labor force is also at the highest in Kentucky history: it has increased by 58,611 Kentuckians.
“This is a really good statement about the health of Kentucky’s workforce,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are getting people to work and we’re filling more jobs than ever before. It’s great for our people and it’s very attractive to companies looking to invest in the commonwealth.”
Economic Development
Tuesday, Gov. Beshear joined local leaders in Mercer County and executives from Earth Breeze, a producer of environmentally friendly laundry detergent sheets, to cut the ribbon on an approximately $5.9 million operation in Harrodsburg that is creating 226 full-time Kentucky jobs.
The Governor noted that Kindeva Drug Delivery, known as a global leader in drug-device combination products, celebrated the grand opening of their new Lexington location Thursday morning, which houses the company’s nasal spray development and manufacturing operations. Milton Boyer, CEO of Kindeva Drug Delivery, joined the Team Kentucky Update to talk about the company’s move to the commonwealth.
Gov. Beshear said that yesterday, Ford announced the launch of the 2025 Expedition at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville. The Governor’s senior advisor, Rocky Adkins, joined the company to celebrate this exciting announcement.
Our Healthy Kentucky Home
Lt. Gov. Coleman provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home, a one-year initiative to promote simple, positive and attainable goals to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. In May, the focus is women’s health. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the importance of women prioritizing their health: scheduling regular checkups and routine screenings, as these can lead to early detection and prevention of various diseases.
“During the month of May, Our Healthy Kentucky Home focuses on women’s health,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “Women face unique challenges covering our physical, mental and emotional health. Understanding these specific health needs is incredibly helpful to promoting long-term wellness.”
Human Trafficking Prevention
Ahead of the Derby, an event with many visitors and large crowds, Lt. Gov. Coleman reminded Kentuckians about how to recognize and report human trafficking. The Lieutenant Governor encouraged Kentuckians to use the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 888-373-7888, texting 233733 or visiting its Human Trafficking Hotline Web Chat.
REAL ID and Driver's License Renewals
With less than a week until the May 7 Real ID enforcement, Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians that this is not a deadline, but a federal enforcement date. Kentuckians can still get a REAL ID any time after that date. Additionally, there are other options for those who need to fly and don’t yet have a REAL ID. A passport, passport card, global entry card, military ID and Veteran Health Identification Card are among the several forms of REAL ID compliant identification. Learn more at realidky.com. The Governor also reminded Kentuckians of ways they can “skip the line” and avoid waiting at Driver Licensing Regional Offices when renewing their driver's license. For more, see the full release.
Severe Weather Recovery
Gov. Beshear provided an update on severe weather that’s brought historic flooding to many parts of the state. Friday, the Governor announced that President Donald Trump approved part of his April 11 request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which includes Individual Assistance for Kentuckians in 13 of the counties affected by the most recent flooding. Tuesday, the Governor requested that 16 more counties receive Individual Assistance and that 64 counties receive Public Assistance. The Governor also renewed his request for hazard mitigation for the entire state.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or other similar service, can give FEMA the number for that service.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are open in the first 13 counties approved for Individual Assistance. Click here to view the hours and locations of the Disaster Recovery Centers for both February’s and April’s floods.
As of 9 a.m. Thursday, under 32 state roadways were closed, 20 by high water and 12 by mudslides or rockslides. This is down from more than 550 roads closed at the peak of the flood. Bridge inspections and highway damage assessments are under way. For your safety, do not pass barricades, signs or cones. Do not drive through standing water. For a full list of state highway closures and detours, visit GoKy.ky.gov.
Kentucky State Parks is sheltering 109 people at General Butler and Pennyrile Forest state resort parks. Those who want to help can donate to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund here.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named everyone who has worked to decrease the number of drug overdose deaths as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“Our Team Kentucky All-Stars this week have to be everybody who work in law enforcement, in recovery, in treatment – everybody who has worked so hard to secure such a significant decrease in drug overdose deaths last year,” said Gov. Beshear. “Your work is saving lives. We are grateful.”
###
First Lady Britainy Beshear, Kentucky State Police Encourage Kentuckians To Stay Alert To Prevent Human Trafficking this Derby Weekend
Kentuckians should call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 to report suspected trafficking
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 2, 2025) – First Lady Britainy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) are raising awareness about human trafficking and educating the public on how to identify and report it. The First Lady said Kentuckians should stay alert and learn the warning signs, especially as Kentucky Derby weekend begins, bringing thousands of visitors and large crowds to the commonwealth.
“Every single person deserves to be safe – and to be free,” Mrs. Beshear said. “This weekend, as we celebrate one of our most special traditions, we also have the chance to change lives and save lives by staying alert for signs that someone is being held against their will or without full control of their choices. Remember, if you see something, say something ... because together, we can stop this horrific crime and look out for those who are most vulnerable.”
Human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud or coercion. As many as 24.9 million men, women and children are sold into prostitution, domestic servitude or other forced labor around the globe. KSP states that human trafficking becomes a higher concern surrounding large events due to the increase in both foot and vehicular traffic.
Kentuckians have a legal duty to report suspicions of children involved in the commercial sex trade to Kentucky Department for Community Based Services at 877-KYSAFE1 and to local law enforcement. Other concerns about possible trafficking activities should be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline: call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. To learn more about the signs of human trafficking, click here. If there is an emergency, dial 911 immediately.
The First Lady is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting survivors, and she serves on the advisory board for the National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking. In January, she joined Gov. Andy Beshear’s Team Kentucky Update to recognize Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Later that month, she also presented at the Frankfort Police Department’s annual Human Trafficking Awareness Training at the Paul Sawyier Public Library. In March, she visited Holly Hill Child & Family Solutions in Northern Kentucky, which provides residential treatment, therapy and other services for vulnerable youth, including some children who have been trafficked.
KSP has developed a cycle map to illustrate how human trafficking originates and perpetuates among victims, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of its devastating impact.
There are three primary forms of trafficking prevalent in Kentucky:
- Labor Trafficking: Victims are coerced into work to meet basic needs or fund drug habits.
- Sex Trafficking: Victims are forced into commercial sexual acts through threats, pressure or manipulation, often by someone they know, such as a romantic partner or family member.
- Familial Trafficking: Based on reports made to the Department for Community Based Services, the in Kentucky involves a trusted family member exploiting a victim for profit, often in exchange for drugs, money or other benefits.
“Human trafficking is not just a crime; it is an attack on human dignity,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. “Traffickers prey on the vulnerable using manipulation, violence or deception, and we will target these individuals using law enforcement collaboration, intelligence and resources.”
In addition to the First Lady’s efforts to prevent and address this crime, Gov. Beshear has made fighting human trafficking a core mission during his time in elected office.
As attorney general, Beshear’s office established itself as the leading agency in Kentucky’s fight against human trafficking. He created the Office of Child Abuse and Human Trafficking Prevention and Prosecution, assigned staff to assist local law enforcement with resources in an effort to resolve human trafficking complaints and trained thousands of individuals statewide.
The Office of the Attorney General also arrested a historic number of child predators during Beshear’s term. He also created the Survivor’s Council, which provided a way for survivors of violent crimes, including human trafficking, to advise and assist the office on matters related to victims of crime.
Gov. Beshear signed Senate Bill 73 making sexual extortion a felony law and House Bill 207, strengthening the language in statute to include other forms of abuse and sexual exploitation of minors.
Since taking office in 2019, the Beshear-Coleman administration has awarded more than $149 million in grant funding to victim service agencies and provided victim services to approximately 323,000 Kentuckians. In August, the Governor awarded $14.9 million through the federal Victims of Crime Act grant program prioritizing services to victims of child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence; survivors of violence; victims of burglary, theft, drug and alcohol-related crimes; and elderly victims.
In April 2023, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 319, increasing award amounts, expanding reimbursement categories and adding caregivers to the persons eligible for reimbursement from the Crime Victims Compensation Fund.
###
|
