Whitfield asks FEMA to fund storm cleanup

By Casey Northcutt

Murray, KY – U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield says local governments shouldn't have to shoulder restoration expenses following last month's ice storm. Whitfield spoke to the head of FEMA yesterday, requesting the federal government fund 100 percent of the region's reparation and cleanup costs instead of the 75 percent it typically funds for such emergencies. Whitfield says in light of recent budget shortfalls, local governments cannot bear the added financial burdens the storm has caused and they need extra assistance. Governor Steve Beshear has issued a similar request, asking the organization to reimburse 100 percent of the expenses for at least the first seven days of the disaster. FEMA is currently reviewing both requests, and the agency's storm damage assessment should be finalized next week.