FRANKFORT, Ky. — Federal Public Assistance has been approved for at least 20 Kentucky counties devastated by severe flooding in June that killed six people and caused widespread damage across the state, Gov. Andy Beshear announced. The approval follows a request Beshear made to President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Heavy rainfall and flooding struck parts of Kentucky between June 17 and June 30, with some areas receiving more than 8 inches of rain in short periods. State officials documented significant damage to roads, bridges and infrastructure, as well as numerous homes destroyed or severely damaged across the commonwealth.

The 20 counties approved for FEMA Public Assistance include Bullitt, Butler, Clinton, Cumberland, Garrard, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Henderson, Jackson, Jessamine, Madison, Meade, Mercer, Metcalfe, Ohio, Owsley, Rockcastle, Spencer and Wayne. Madison County received around 10 inches of rainfall, causing particularly severe damage in that region near Lexington.

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 response and infrastructure repair. The FEMA approval represents a crucial step toward recovery as communities work to rebuild roads, replace equipment and restore basic services.

Beshear also encouraged Kentuckians to support survivors through the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund, which was established to assist those affected by severe weather and natural disasters. Officials previously said that if the request were approved, it would mark the 16th federally approved natural disaster during Beshear's tenure as governor.