FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear submitted a request to President Joe Biden on Friday asking that a Major Disaster Declaration be issued for the severe winter storm system that hammered the Commonwealth from February 8 through February 19, 2021.

Beshear issued a State of Emergency Order on February 11. Fifty nine counties and 38 cities likewise issued local states of emergency orders.

“The impacts of February’s ice and rain events were significant,” Beshear said. “We are thankful for the many state and local agencies and organizations who rose to the occasion to help their neighbors. Unfortunately, the damage a great number of our counties endured requires an additional response from the federal government before they can begin the recovery they desperately need.”

The system produced heavy rain, hail, sleet, freezing rain, ice, and bitter arctic air which caused impassable roadways, massive power outages, water system failures, landslides, mudslides, and disruption of critical government services.

154,500 Kentucky homes were without power at the height of the ice storm. There were four confirmed casualties attributed to the event, Beshear said.

The Kentucky National Guard was activated, with 90 personnel assisting with the clearing of roadways, evacuating at-risk citizens, and conducting wellness checks.

Damages assessed by state, local, and federal representatives are projected to exceed $30 million. The Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Program provides funding to eligible applicants for allowable costs associated with debris removal, emergency protective actions and restoration of impacted infrastructure.

“The recent ice-storm damage to the state’s electrical infrastructure was significant, and in some regions reminiscent of the debilitating event of 2009,” said Michael Dossett, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM). “Our eastern counties were hit hardest and in some cases, homeowners were without power for many days”

“With the Governor’s submission today, we are hopeful for federal assistance to repair and restore our infrastructure and the damage to county utilities in furtherance of the protection and safety of our communities and citizens,” Dossett added.

The request for a FEMA presidential disaster declaration is a complex process which includes time to conduct damage assessments following severe weather events. Both involve local, state and federal officials review of the damages and the estimated repair costs. Following the submission of the request for a federal declaration, the decision process typically takes thirty days before FEMA issues a finding.