While McLean County was not initially included in the list of counties approved for federal Individual Assistance following April’s widespread flooding, local emergency officials believe it is only a matter of time before the county is formally added.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday that President Donald Trump had approved part of his April 11 request for a Major Disaster Declaration, securing Individual Assistance for residents in 13 Kentucky counties. McLean County was not among those listed.
Individual Assistance is currently approved for Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford counties. Beshear said he will request additional counties be added as assessments are completed.
“This declaration is crucial because so many Kentucky families have been significantly affected by this event, and the greatest impact has been felt by our families whose homes were flooded,” Beshear said. “We are again thankful to President Trump and his administration for approving this critical funding. Just like before, we will get through this – together.”
McLean County Emergency Manager Terry Dossett said FEMA officials have already assessed local damages for both individual and public assistance programs. Disaster Recovery Centers will begin operations Friday at Calhoun Baptist Church, where residents can start applying for assistance.
“They’re supposed to start at 7 a.m. and work 12-hour days,” Dossett said. “They’ll be there from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.”
Dossett encouraged residents to bring a form of identification, such as a driver’s license and a utility bill that verifies their property address. He stressed that although McLean County isn’t on the official list yet, he fully expects it to be added soon.
“One of the main things I think is people don’t need to get excited because we’re not on the list at this present time, but we will be,” Dossett said. “We will get added to the list.”
FEMA representatives visited McLean County two weeks ago to assess individual damage and returned this week to review public infrastructure damage, such as roads and bridges. Dossett explained that Public Assistance focuses on infrastructure repairs, while Individual Assistance is directed toward homeowners and renters who suffered personal property damage.
Meanwhile, State Senator Gary Boswell, R-Owensboro, formally endorsed McLean County’s separate $1 million disaster relief request through the Department for Local Government’s Office of State Grants. The funds, if approved, would come from the Local Government Economic Development Fund (LGEDF) and help address emergency response needs and infrastructure repairs.
“Flooding has had a devastating impact on families, businesses, and local infrastructure in McLean County,” Boswell said. “This request reflects the urgent need for state support to ensure a swift and effective recovery.”
House Bill 6, passed during the 2025 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly, authorizes the use of LGEDF funds for projects that support public safety, economic development, and disaster resilience.
Additionally, the American Red Cross will open a Disaster Resource Center at Calhoun Baptist Church starting Sunday, April 27. Services will be available through Thursday, May 1, operating from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday and Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dossett said the Red Cross stepped in to help while FEMA processes applications, offering another option for residents needing immediate assistance.
McLean County residents are encouraged to begin applying for assistance now through DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by visiting the Disaster Recovery Center at Calhoun Baptist Church starting Friday.
Residents are reminded that assistance is only available for their primary residence and damages not already covered by insurance.
