Schneider says it appears FEMA assistance isn’t coming and county government’s help is constrained by state laws
Finding financial assistance for Henderson County flooding victims has hit a brick wall on two fronts, according to Judge-Executive Brad Schneider.
First, Schneider doesn’t believe—or is losing faith—that Henderson County will get a federal declaration of emergency, which would allow officials with the Federal Emergency management Agency to begin working with flooding victims on a one-on-one basis.
Schneider in Tuesday morning’s Fiscal Court meeting said recent discussions about the future of FEMA and FEMA funding has left him in doubt that Henderson County will see any federal assistance for the recent flooding.
“I am beginning to operate on the idea that we’re not going to get any kind of FEMA assistance for this and that’s unfortunate,” he said, adding it has been a month and a half waiting for the presidential emergency declaration. “If you’ve followed the debate in D.C. about the future of FEMA, it does not look great.”
Henderson County has been added to the list of those counties affected by flooding, and local officials have been told that President Donald Trump has that information. In late April, the president approved disaster funding for 13 Kentucky counties, including nearby Hopkins County, but not Henderson.
Schneider said he didn’t know why Henderson was not a part of that initial list.
The Fiscal Court in Tuesday’s meeting approved a $1 million transfer into its general fund specifically to assist flooding victims’ cleanup and rebuilding efforts.
The second roadblock on helping the victims has arisen with this funding. Schneider learned that county money has specific parameters on how it can be used and granting it for general cleanups or rehabilitations may go against state laws.
He said “typically” state laws forbid county governments from doing any work on private property. That could extend so far as not allowing reimbursement of a property owner who needs to haul away ruined drywall, Schneider said.
Schneider said he’s been trying to determine how the $1 million can be used without getting in a pinch with the state auditor’s office. He said it’s been “frustrating” finding a way to help local victims.
Meanwhile, he did mention that the local United Way has received $25,000 in private donations and that money is available for those who need help. UW’s phone number is 270-826-2107.
The Hendersonian has also compiled a list of organizations offering assistance from information provided by UW and the OEM. Access that here.