Disaster Declaration Approved for Area Counties

President Joe Biden has granted Gov. Laura Kelly’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the state of Kansas as a result of damage in multiple Kansas counties from a severe storm system that included straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding this past summer, it was announced Wednesday morning.

The storms were reported to have occurred between June 26 to July 7, 2024.

Counties named in the declaration are Chase, Clark, Comanche, Doniphan, Finney, Geary, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Kearny, Meade, Scott, Thomas and Wabaunsee.

“I am grateful that this request for federal assistance has been approved,” Kelly said in a news release. “These federal funds will go a long way in supporting the restoration work by those in counties impacted by the storms.”

The declaration allows for state and local levels of government, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations that provide vital and essential services — such as rural electric cooperatives — to apply for Public Assistance funds for emergency and permanent work for the repair or replacement of infrastructure damaged by the disaster.

It also activates the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.