Thursday, May 5, 2011 8:16 am

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 4, 2011) – Governor Steve Beshear was notified tonight that President Barack Obama has approved his request for a major disaster declaration for Kentucky. After learning that Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel in Kentucky had submitted a letter to the President recommending granting the disaster declaration, Gov. Beshear immediately called the White House to urge a quick response.

“I am thankful to the White House for quickly granting my request," said Gov. Beshear. "While it will be a long recovery from the recent storms and flooding that have hit the Commonwealth, this assistance will greatly help Kentucky families and communities rebuild.”

Over the past two weeks, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash flooding have hit many areas of the Commonwealth, causing rising waters, infrastructure damage and dangerous roads. In response to these storms, Gov. Beshear declared a state of emergency on April 25 to allow local officials immediate access to state resources to assist in public safety and recovery efforts.

The requests for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation have been granted. All other requests are under review.

Gov. Beshear has also requested a disaster declaration for Kentucky’s farm families from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and directed the temporary suspension of restrictions on certain motor carriers and utility vehicles delivering disaster relief supplies. In addition, he implemented an executive order to protect consumers from price gouging.

Damage assessments continue across the state.