FRANKFORT, Ky. — Nicholas County has been awarded roughly $1 million from Kentucky’s Department for Local Government to help restore infrastructure damaged by severe flash flooding, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday.

The announcement came after the county was denied federal disaster relief funds.

The county received more than 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain in a two-hour period in late July, which caused major flash flooding in downtown Carlisle, damaging the city’s wastewater treatment plant, fire station and garage. One person died. A federal assessment determined an estimated $3.8 million in damages occurred to roads, bridges, buildings and equipment.

Following Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff evaluating the damage in early August, the Governor requested that the agency declare a major disaster declaration and specifically asked for individual assistance for residents impacted. After an appeal, FEMA issued a final denial determination.

Without assistance from FEMA, Beshear had been searching for ways to help the county. The funds announced Thursday are administered through the Department for Local Government.

“We know this is a rare event where there was so much devastation, yet the county and residents did not qualify for FEMA aid,” Gov. Beshear said in a press release. “Today we are able to share some good news and provide funds to help the county restore critical infrastructure."

In addition to emergency management vehicles, the funds will assist Nicholas County in restoring damaged public infrastructure, buildings, equipment and other items that were included in the damage assessment report.

Gov. Beshear also said eligible residents and business owners in Nicholas County can apply for low-interest loans to help repair property and reopen businesses damaged by the flooding.

The loans are available thanks to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) at the Nicholas County Public Library on Monday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m. EST.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s. 

You can learn more about the Disaster Loan Outreach program here.