FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that federal Public Assistance has been approved for at least 20 Kentucky counties affected by severe flooding that killed six people and caused widespread damage across the state in June.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the assistance following a request Beshear made to President Donald Trump after heavy rainfall struck parts of Kentucky between June 17 and June 30. Some areas received more than 8 inches of rain in a short period.

The affected counties are Bullitt, Butler, Clinton, Cumberland, Garrard, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Henderson, Jackson, Jessamine, Madison, Meade, Mercer, Metcalfe, Ohio, Owsley, Rockcastle, Spencer and Wayne. According to U.S. Rep. Andy Barr's office, the counties are receiving $9 million in federal assistance.

"This flooding event was devastating for our state, and Team Kentucky worked quickly to conduct damage assessments and request federal aid so that Kentuckians and communities affected would have the support needed to recover and rebuild," Beshear said in a statement. "I am thankful that we have received the much-needed news that Public Assistance will be available for at least 20 counties."

Public Assistance funding helps state and local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations, recover from major disasters by reimbursing eligible costs related to emergency protective measures and debris removal. Governor Beshear established the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund to assist residents impacted by flooding and other severe weather events throughout the commonwealth.