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President Trump approves Kentucky's request for federal disaster declaration amid coronavirus outbreak

Weeks after declaring a state of emergency, President Trump has approved Governor Andy Beshear's request.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — President Donald Trump has declared a disaster in Kentucky amid the coronavirus pandemic and has ordered federal assistance to aid in the state's response. 

In a Saturday news release, White House officials say federal funding will be available to the state and eligible local governments, certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance to all areas affected by COVID-19 dating back to Jan. 20.

“The additional federal resources this declaration makes available will help communities across Kentucky continue responding to the Coronavirus. I’m grateful President Trump quickly answered our bipartisan call to deliver this vital assistance,” Senator McConnell said in a statement. “As Senate Majority Leader, I’m working with President Trump and the members of his Cabinet to help Kentucky receive the necessary supplies and funding to care for those in need. We should all listen to the experts and continue looking for ways to help our fellow Kentuckians. I’m inspired by the generosity shown by the people of this great country, and I know we’ll make it through this crisis.”

Kentucky’s Congressional delegation recently sent a letter to the president supporting Governor Andy Beshear’s request for a federal disaster declaration in the state.

So far, 119 counties have declared states of emergency and 110 cities have declared local states of emergency.

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