For Immediate Release
May 13, 2003
Contact: Rusty Cheuvront 564-2611: Ray Bowman 502-607-1611/cell: 502-330-0413 

Gov. Patton declares state of emergency in 16 counties

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton has signed an executive order declaring that a State of Emergency exists in the Commonwealth.

On Sunday, Gov. Patton toured Mercer County and got a first-hand look at damages caused by recent storms that produced tornados, severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flash flooding and flooding.

“From what I have seen, I feel confident there is enough damage to justify a federal disaster declaration; however, we must have hard data to support a request,” Patton said.  

Assessment teams from Kentucky Emergency Management are in the area compiling the figures to accompany such a request. 

Patton’s order declares emergencies in Breathitt, Carter, Crittenden, Fleming, Greenup, Hardin, Hart, Lewis, Mercer, Nicholas, Owsley, Pendleton, Perry, Robertson, Rowan and Webster counties and in the city of Clay.    

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Note:  Here is a copy of the Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency: http://gov.state.ky.us/pressreleases/2003/stofem513.htm .