KENTUCKY — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Gov. Andy Beshear's request for individual assistance in 22 more Kentucky counties after severe flooding earlier this year, the governor announced Friday.

“There will now be more resources available for Kentuckians and Kentucky communities to rebuild after the historic flooding,” Beshear said. “We acted quickly to request federal assistance and appreciate FEMA quickly approving our request as our fellow Kentuckians continue to recover from the severe storms.”

The counties that are now eligible for the assistance are Anderson, Fayette, Jessamine, Laurel, Madison, Warren and Woodford. The counties previously eligible for public assistance, and are now eligible for individual assistance, include Boyd, Clark, Franklin, Greenup, Jackson, Knott, Lawrence, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pulaski and Rockcastle.

These counties are in addition to those included when, at Beshear's request, President Joe Biden declared a major disaster declaration on April 23, making federal funding available for Kentucky families and communities to recover.

“Thanks to FEMA for the approval of our add-on counties. This individual assistance will help hundreds of our citizens who were displaced by the record flooding,” said Michael Dossett, director of Kentucky Emergency Management. “Federal teams are already in the Commonwealth and will be able to quickly begin the registration process in the additional areas.”

In Biden's initial declaration, federal funding was made available to help those in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Johnson, Lee, Magoffin, Martin and Powell after severe storms, flooding and mudslides.

According to a release from the governor's office, residents with questions or additional reports of flood damage should contact their local county emergency management agency.

This is the largest award for displaced people from damage to homes since a massive flooding event impacted the state in May 2010, the release said. During that event, more than 4,200 structures were affected. In this case, counties have reported more than 1,200 instances of damage to infrastructure, debris removal and emergency measures, costing more than $72 million.

Assistance may come in the form of grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover.

Residents and business owners in the designated counties can start applying for FEMA assistance by registering online, downloading the FEMA app or calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY: 800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired). The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Have your social security number, insurance information, damage information, bank information and contact information ready before applying. You should register with FEMA even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but if you are under-insured, you may receive help after your insurance claim is settled. Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid even if you registered with another disaster relief organization or a community or church organization.