By TIM THORNBERRY
Kentucky Correspondent

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Residents across the state are still reeling from the winter storm that two weeks ago dumped ice and snow on the region and created the largest power outage in Kentucky history.
More than 700,000 people lost power at some point with some still waiting for the lights to come on.

Additionally, thousands were without water as many water plants lost electricity, as well.

At least 30 deaths related to the storm have been recorded; several of those caused by carbon monoxide poisoning as many scrambled to get generators going to power their homes. At least nine died from hypothermia.

Gov. Steve Beshear called out the National Guard for assistance and visited many of the hardest hit areas in the state. Beshear also asked President Barack Obama for a disaster declaration.

“Beginning on Jan. 26, 2009, and continuing, ice, snow and rain paralyzed the commonwealth,” Beshear said in the letter to the President. “Fallen trees, debris and power outages have left extremely large groups of people, including the elderly and medically fragile, without essential services. Fatalities have occurred in multiple counties with strong preliminary evidence directly attributing them to this disaster.”

Last Thursday, the word came from the White House that the President had granted the governor’s request.

According to information from the Governor’s office, “Under a major disaster declaration, the federal government typically reimburses 75 percent of local and state governmental expenditures on a range of items, such as overtime for workers, debris removal equipment and the local purchase of generators, among other things.”

Beshear has requested the federal government pick up 100 percent of the costs for expenses incurred during the first seven days of the storm. The Federal Emergency Management agency (FEMA) is still considering that at this time. Acting FEMA director Nancy Ward toured portions of the state getting a firsthand look at the damage.
The financial assistance comes at a critical time as the state is facing a major budget shortfall in the coming months. Total expenditures so far related to the storm have topped $60 million.

“I appreciate President Obama’s quick response to our request for a major disaster declaration following this devastating storm,” Beshear said. “This quick action allows state and local governments to recover significant expenditures they have incurred in response to the storm. I will continue to pursue 100 percent reimbursement for the seven days following storm and I’m hopeful that we will receive approval for this as well.”

Agriculture taking a hit

State Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer made a request to the federal government as well asking U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to declare an agricultural disaster in Kentucky.

The storm disrupted feed and water supplies to livestock and left untold numbers of producers without electricity according to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

“Our farmers are struggling to keep their animals safe and healthy,” Farmer said. “Power is out all over the state, and that makes it tough on livestock producers who need to pump fresh water to their animals or milk their dairy cows. Downed trees and limbs have hit power lines and damaged fences. Kentucky farmers need quick and decisive action from USDA to recover from this storm.”

In Washington County power lines are lying in pieces in many fields in the county according to Extension educator Rick Greenwell.
He said a feed store he visited couldn’t mix feed because it didn’t have power. He also said the county was “in survival mode” due to power outages. “Through it all, people find time to help each other. “That’s the thing that’s keeping them going.”

Sheep and goat producers were also feeling the hardships from the storm. Ray Bowman, executive director of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, said hay supplies are dwindling and many producers are unable to provide fresh water to their animals because of power outages. He said some producers are losing sheep and goats because of stress from the weather.

The Thoroughbred foaling season is underway and those in the horse industry are concerned with the damage caused by the storm.
David Switzer, executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association-Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, said horse owners are reporting problems with damaged fencing, extensive debris from downed trees and limbs, water line breaks and a few damaged structures.

“Kentucky’s needs are many, and they are urgent,” Farmer said. “I urge Secretary Vilsack to act with all deliberate speed to get our farmers the help they need now.”