Kentucky’s Damages From January Ice Storm Top $185 Million

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Kentucky and federal officials say damage estimates from the January ice storm will likely top $185 million.

Kentucky’s Emergency Management director, Brig. Gen. John W. Heltzel, says the damages were primarily related to the state’s electric utilities. A statement from the joint field office, which includes FEMA officials, says the final figure will be higher.

Teams of recovery specialists have been calculating the damage estimates since a Feb. 5 federal disaster declaration by President Barack Obama for 93 Kentucky counties. The order allows local governments and nonprofit organizations to be reimbursed for disaster-related expenses.

The USDA also said in a statement that it will spend $900,000 on storm cleanup in Kentucky.