FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) has declared a state of emergency for the city of Fleming-Neon in Letcher County due to a water shortage.

“Today’s action of declaring a state of emergency for the city of Fleming-Neon is intended to put into motion all the things we can do at the state level to help alleviate the situation and provide support,” Beshear said. “We stand ready to help make sure our people have access to clean water.”

Fleming-Neon Mayor Rick Burke previously declared a local state of emergency Jan. 5 due to low water levels in the city's freshwater well. Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) then provided Fleming-Neon with 22 pallets of drinking water before Burke informed KYEM the city needed more water. According to the governor's office, limited rainfall in 2023 left the city without sufficient water.

With a state of emergency in place, KYEM can coordinate response and relief activities, and the Kentucky National Guard can mobilize necessary personnel. Additional cabinets and state agencies can also take action.

Kentucky consumers can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General under the state's price gouging laws, protecting families from overpriced goods and services. Price gougers can be held accountable under state law, according to the governor's office. 

This is a developing story. We will add more details when they become available.