By KAREN JONES CODY
Although portions of Knott County sustained major damage in last Wednesday’s flash flood, county officials have learned that federal assistance will not be an option for flood repairs.
“We’ve estimated the county has between $1 million- $1.2 million in damages,” Judge-Executive Randy Thompson told the Times. “Typically, to qualify for FEMA aid, our threshold is around $60,000.”
However, Judge Thompson explained, in order to receive this assistance, there must be a state of emergency declared statewide, with a total of $5.5 million in damages.
“It didn’t happen, and there was no declaration from the governor — in fact, it looks like we were the worst hit, and the rest of the state just didn’t have the damage,” Judge Thompson related.
The county is receiving help from Natural Resources Conservation Service, the judge said; they are assisting with damage to roadways caused by overflowing streams. “NRCS has been a tremendous help, and we’re very appreciative; they identify projects and pay for work quickly.”
“I’ve been making calls to various agencies and look- ing for possible funding sources,” Judge Thompson told the Times. “We have about 30 culverts washed out, and four or five bridges, plus broken roadways and stopped- up culverts. We are doing what we can with our limited equipment and personnel.
“Some of the private contractors we use haven’t been paid for their work in the last major flood. But they live here, too, and love the county, so they are going above and beyond. They know they will eventually get paid, and they want to help.”
Judge Thompson said his office has also received calls from residents with personal property damage. “We just can’t help much right now,” the judge said. “We’ve contacted the Red Cross, and I think they have offered assistance in a couple of situations. We’re doing the best we can with our limited resources.”