Letter to the Hon. Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States - Kentucky Congressional Delegation Urges Biden's Swift Approval of Federal Disaster Declaration

Letter

Dear President Biden:
We write to draw your attention to the March 19, 2021 letter from Governor Andy Beshear requesting a major
disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky due to the severe weather events beginning on
February 8, 2021 and continuing until February 19, 2021. We strongly support this request and ask for your
prompt consideration.
This severe storm system included prolonged periods of significant ice storms, snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
During this time, every single Kentucky county was under a winter storm watch or warning. The arctic
temperatures combined with the damaging ice and snow caused dangerous road conditions, significant
vegetative debris, power outages for more than 152,000 people, and interruption of water systems resulted in
severe impacts to transportation, infrastructure, and property. On February 11, 2021, Governor Beshear issued a
State of Emergency for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but additional assistance is necessary at this time.
Unfortunately, six deaths have been confirmed due to the weather and road conditions across the
Commonwealth. The citizens of Kentucky need federal resources to respond to these damaging events. For this
reason, we urge you to also approve requests for assistance for those Kentuckians hit hardest by these weather
disasters. Access to this critical federal assistance will help expedite the disaster relief efforts occurring across
the Commonwealth. A delayed federal response will be detrimental to our small rural communities, as well as
the health and well-being of residents who have been displaced and impacted by prolonged water outages.
We greatly appreciate your prompt consideration of this request, which will aid Kentucky communities in a
critical time of need. Thank you in advance for your prompt action in this matter.
Sincerely,