Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency for more time to submit a request for a Presidential disaster declaration for the winter storm that hit the state in early January.
In a letter to FEMA, Governor Kelly said an extension to March 6th is needed because of challenges in gathering data on sustained damages that will strain local budgets to repair. The governor said time is needed to collect data and validate all legitimate expenses to help local governments in restoring infrastructure.
Kansas was hit by a major winter storm on January 4th and 5th with heavy snowfall, excessive winds and frigid temperatures. Much of the snow and ice from the storm continues to cover the ground in many areas of the state. The state is also asking for snow assistance due to impacted counties that received record or near-record snowfall.
The state will ask for help from the Public Assistance Program, which provides funds on a cost-share basis to repair damaged public infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.
