Published on February 16, 2025
This presidential action declares an emergency in Kentucky following severe weather events, authorizing FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts across all 120 counties. The declaration enables federal assistance at 75% funding for emergency protective measures, with FEMA given discretionary power over resource allocation and mobilization under Title V of the Stafford Act.
The broad authorization given to FEMA across all 120 counties, rather than specifically affected areas, suggests potential overreach and political considerations, especially given Kentucky's electoral significance. The discretionary nature of FEMA's authority over resource allocation, combined with vague language about "equipment and resources necessary," creates opportunities for selective aid distribution that could be influenced by political allegiances or private interests, while the 75% federal funding structure places a significant burden on state resources during an emergency.
While the emergency declaration appears to provide crucial aid to Kentucky, the broad scope and discretionary powers granted to FEMA warrant public scrutiny. Citizens should monitor the actual distribution of resources and ensure aid reaches all affected communities equitably, regardless of political considerations or private interests.
Today, President Donald J. Trump declared that an emergency exists in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and ordered Federal assistance to supplement Commonwealth and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and landslides beginning on February 14, 2025, and continuing. The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population. FEMA will provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all 120 counties of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding. Mr. Jeremy Slinker of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.