Kansas gov. asks President Joe Biden for help after storms damage 14 counties

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is requesting help from the federal government for more than a dozen counties hit by storm damage earlier this year.

Kelly announced in a press release from the Adjutant General's Office on Monday, Aug. 5 that she is requesting help from President Joe Biden for 14 counties impacted by severe storm damage. The damage occurred on May 19.

“These storms generated high straight-line winds and heavy rains that resulted in flooding,” Kelly said. “The storms left several communities without power and damaged roads and other public infrastructure. I am requesting assistance through the federal Public Assistance Program to help these counties and local communities recover costs associated with responding to and recovering from these damages.”

Kelly's letter to Biden also included a request for aid funding statewide for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Counties named in her letter include the following:

• Barton
• Ellsworth
• Harvey
• Hodgeman
• Lincoln
• Morris
• Ottawa
• Pawnee
• Reno
• Rush
• Russell
• Stafford
• Wabaunsee
• Wyandotte

“If received, this federal disaster declaration will assist the impacted communities in rebuilding public infrastructure damaged by the storms, such as roadways, bridges, culverts, and public utilities,” Kelly said.

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