Kentucky has been hard at work trying to undo the damage and destruction to roads and bridges caused by flooding in Eastern Kentucky. Now state officials are waiting to see if FEMA will reimburse most of the costs the state has incurred.
Transportation Secretary Jim Gray gave Kentucky lawmakers an update on Wednesday.
“We have cleared the enormous accumulation of storm debris both from the waterways and rights of way,” Gray said.
Of 1,100 bridges, 175 needed repairs. One of these was one in Perry County near Robinson Elementary. There’s also been a number of private bridges leading to peoples’ homes. He says the state is working with people on those complex issues.
“There’s a lot of work that has to be done. As it relates to FEMA for reimbursements and how to work with the counties,” Gray said.
“It’s shaping up. The creeks look really good, Ky. 28, 476, 550. It was like a bomb was set off in those areas,” Rep. Chris Fugate said.
“I want to compliment from the top down to the bottom up. Those guys are working hard and I know you all are,” Sen. Johnnie Turner said.
Gray says the state believes FEMA will eventually provide the reimbursements they need to pay for the road and bridge replacements.
The flooding occurred in late July, as a result of heavy rainfall, deadly flash flooding, and devastating flash flooding in Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia.
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Source: WYKT
