For Immediate Release
January 10, 2000
Contact: Mark Pfeiffer (502) 564-2611
              Pat Conley, Ky. Division of Emergency Management (502) 607-1611  

Governor Announces White House Declares Disaster for Western Kentucky Counties Hit by Storms

Frankfort, Ky. – In response to his request for federal assistance, Governor Paul Patton announced today that President Clinton has declared a major disaster in Crittenden, Daviess and Webster Counties following last Monday's severe weather outbreak which damaged or destroyed over 3,000 homes and left thousands without electrical power.  Vice-President Al Gore notified the governor of the declaration via telephone this afternoon. 

"The Vice-President told me the assistance made available by the declaration will provide help for individuals and families as well as for local governments and utilities affected by the storms,” Governor Patton said.

Under today’s declaration, individuals, local governments and not-for-profit utilities in Crittenden and Daviess Counties will be eligible for recovery programs.  Individuals in Webster County may also apply for federal assistance.

W.R.Padgett, director of the state's Division of Emergency Management (KyEM), to serve as State Coordinating Officer for the recovery effort and work closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  Padgett said a state-federal "disaster field office" will be established in the Owensboro area to answer questions and administer the various disaster programs. 

Governor Patton is encouraging all individuals affected by last week's tornado to register for help by calling toll free, 1-800-462-9029.

Padgett says KyEM field staff is working with local officials to determine if additional counties have enough storm damages to be included in the federal disaster declaration.

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