The governor signs a bill on “security law” releasing $ 100 million for emergency alleviation in disaster areas

By Tom Latek
Kentucky today

Governor Andy Beshear signed the law legislation on the last day of the general meeting establishing a safe act for those of the 16 counties covered by the declaration of major presidential disaster due to the floods of February and other serious times.

“It was another major natural disaster, and took the lives of 24 Kentuckians, each a child of God,” said Beshear, announcing the signing of the bill in an article on Facebook. “After all these natural disasters, families who are affected are worth our best. They deserve this promise that we will rebuild all the structures and each life. And now those who have been affected by the February floods will obtain the same types of resources that we have seen after tornadoes or floods in recent years. ”

The Bill of the Chamber 544 is extended and consolidated the mechanisms for financing the rescue in the event of a disaster by creating the funding fund funding fund for emergencies (SAFE 4860) – appointed after the Federal Code of the Declaration of Catastrophe for recent floods in Kentucky. The bill doubles the overall funding ceiling of $ 50 million per year at $ 100 million over two years, giving the Governor immediate access to $ 100 million to deploy emergency alleviation.

Existing sales in Eastern Funds in eastern Kentucky Safe and western Kentucky, promulgated after tornadoes and floods in 2021 and 2022 – approximately $ 45 million – can now be transferred to the new SAFE 4860 fund.

The legislation also describes specific eligible uses, introduces measures of responsibility such as the reports of the director of the State budget and the Ministry of Education, and makes it possible to structure certain funds as reimbursable, depending on their use.

“This effort is to provide real help, not just to adopt legislation,” said Senate president Robert Staves, R-Manchester. “When crises hit, families and local businesses cannot afford to be stuck in a network of delays. This is why I was determined to drive these funds available immediately, so eastern Kentucky obtains the support he needs without unnecessary obstacles. Our region has had more than its share on the part of adversity, and this measure strengthens our dedication to reconstruction more quickly and with full -gap. ”

Since HB 544 contained an emergency clause, funding became available as soon as the governor signed the measure and awarded to the office of the Secretary of State on Monday.