FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 27, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that his request was approved for a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) following widespread flooding, tornadoes and severe weather that took place in June of this year. Now, eligible homeowners, businesses and nonprofit organizations in Adair, Bullitt, Clark, Clinton, Cumberland, Estill, Fayette, Garrard, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Jessamine, Madison, Metcalfe, Monroe, Nelson, Rockcastle, Russell and Spencer counties can apply for an SBA disaster loan. The deadline to apply for a loan for physical damage is Dec. 28, 2026, while the deadline to apply for a loan for economic injury is July 26, 2027.
“This severe weather event impacted so many communities across the commonwealth, with businesses that support local economies and jobs suffering damage from widespread flooding, tornadoes and more,” said Gov. Beshear. “This assistance is essential to helping these folks recover, and I am grateful that my request was approved. I encourage those affected by these storms – between the approved dates of June 18 and June 27 – to apply.”
The request followed a severe weather event that began on June 17 of this year and continued through June 30, with areas of Kentucky impacted by tornadoes, straight-line winds and widespread flooding that caused damage and destruction of homes, businesses, government facilities, roadways, utilities and government services. Sadly, six Kentuckians lost their lives as a result.
Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at lending.sba.gov. Please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by phone at 800-659-2955 for further assistance.
Earlier this month, Gov. Beshear sent a letter to David Arnot, acting associate administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), appealing President Donald Trump’s denial of Public Assistance for five counties affected by June’s widespread flooding and severe weather. In the letter, the Governor also urged FEMA to reconsider its sweeping denial of the state’s inclusion in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program; asked for additional counties to be added to the Individuals and Households Assistance Program; and requested an adjustment of the incident period time from just five days to June 17-30, per the National Weather Service report.
In early September, the Governor announced that Public Assistance had been approved for at least 20 counties affected by the weather event. However, the approval limited the incident period to just five days and excluded the areas outlined in the Governor’s letter of appeal to FEMA.
How To Help Survivors: The Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund was established to serve survivors of severe weather events and natural disasters. As with previous relief funds, these dollars will first help pay for victims’ funeral expenses. To donate, click here.
