Hailey
Governor Laura Kelly has reaffirmed her dedication to revitalizing rural towns like Plevna and Grinnell, calling them “the heartbeat of our state.”
She emphasized her administration’s ongoing commitment to ensuring these communities receive the resources necessary to recover and flourish.
From the very start of the recovery efforts, her team has worked tirelessly to deliver technical, logistical, health, and environmental support, while also lobbying federal agencies such as FEMA and the SBA to address urgent recovery needs.
Appeal for Federal Public Assistance Program Support
Governor Kelly has formally reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), requesting financial aid through the Public Assistance Program.
This program operates on a cost-sharing basis, aimed at helping states repair public infrastructure such as bridges and roadways.
The appeal seeks federal support for damage caused by severe storms, including tornadoes, flooding, and straight-line winds that struck Kansas on May 18–19. Multiple counties experienced extensive harm to utilities, roads, and public buildings.
State and Federal Agencies Mobilize Recovery Efforts
Following the storm damage, Governor Kelly visited Grinnell, initiated FEMA’s Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA), and requested the availability of SBA disaster loans.
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) promptly began response operations on May 18, working closely with local officials.
KDEM continues to coordinate damage assessments, human services support, and technical recovery guidance, while maintaining strong collaboration with federal partners.
SBA Offers Disaster Loans to Affected Counties
On May 31, the SBA declared that small businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Gove, Graham, Lane, Logan, Ness, Scott, Sheridan, Thomas, and Trego counties are eligible for low-interest federal disaster loans. Later, on June 6, Harvey County also became eligible under the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
This initiative provides working capital to small enterprises, agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and nonprofits suffering financial hardship due to the storm damage.
Statewide Disaster Proclamation Expands Relief
Governor Kelly declared a state of disaster emergency on June 4, covering Bourbon, Cheyenne, Edwards, Gove, Kiowa, Logan, Pratt, Reno, Scott, Sheridan, and Stafford counties.
This action activated the Kansas Response Plan, a structured guideline for managing disaster response, mitigation, and long-term recovery.
The plan empowers local jurisdictions to lead recovery efforts while receiving coordinated state and federal support.
Joint FEMA-KDEM Damage Assessments Underway
On June 5, joint teams from FEMA Region VII and KDEM launched Public Assistance Program Preliminary Damage Assessments to evaluate the extent of damage to public infrastructure.
These assessments help determine if the damage levels in affected counties meet federal criteria required for a Presidential disaster declaration.
This step is critical for unlocking further federal aid to support ongoing recovery efforts.
Governor Laura Kelly’s administration has taken swift, coordinated actions to help Kansas communities recover from devastating storms.
Through partnerships with FEMA, SBA, and KDEM, the state is actively pursuing federal assistance, conducting damage assessments, and delivering critical aid to affected areas.
Her leadership underscores a strong commitment to ensuring that small towns in Kansas are not only rebuilt but positioned to thrive long-term.