Beshear to appeal FEMA denial of additional help for multiple counties

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — State leaders announced on Wednesday that Gov. Andy Beshear plans to appeal a decision from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denying Individual Assistance to Christian and Todd Counties and Public Assistance to Leslie County after severe storms and tornadoes hit the Commonwealth throughout the spring of 2025.

FEMA said in a letter to Beshear dated July 29 that the denial can be appealed within 30 days. Officials said that “based on the results of the joint Preliminary Damage Assessments, it has been determined that the impact to the individuals and households in Christian and Todd Counties is not of the severity and magnitude to warrant their designation under the Individual Assistance program.”

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FEMA also said in the letter to Beshear that in Leslie County, impacts to local infrastructure were not severe enough for designation under the Public Assistance program.

Federal emergency management leaders also denied requests for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program for both the April flooding and the May tornadoes in the letter.

“While we appreciate the Individual Assistance and Public Assistance we were granted for most of the affected areas, we are disappointed in the decision,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are actively comparing the damage assessments, and we plan to appeal.”

To help survivors by donating to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund, visit the program’s website.