Kentucky Flood Recovery Resources

Finding Funding for Disaster Recovery and Mitigation
Updated: 
March 12, 2025
4
min read
Resource List
Quick Links From this Article
  1. Kentucky’s State Flood-Related Local Match Program
  2. Grant Ready Kentucky’s Disaster Relief and Mitigation Grants Database
  3. Grant Ready Kentucky’s Free Talk to the Expert Grant Consultations 

Kentucky Flood Recovery Resources: Finding Funding for Disaster Recovery and Mitigation

Three weeks ago, Eastern Kentucky was hit—again—by devastating floods, leaving homes, businesses, and infrastructure in need of repair. Recovery will take time, and while FEMA assistance is critical, it often doesn’t cover the full scope of community needs. That’s where additional funding sources come in.

If your community is working to rebuild, now is the time to explore disaster relief and mitigation funding beyond FEMA. Grant Ready Kentucky is here to help connect you with funding opportunities, including Kentucky’s Flood-Related Local Match Participation Program, private grantmakers, and federal agencies offering support for disaster response and future resilience.

1. Kentucky's Flood-Related Local Match Participation Program

One of the largest barriers to accessing federal grants is the required local match, which can put essential recovery and mitigation projects out of reach for many communities. State match funding is available for flood recovery, flood control, and flood mitigation projects through the Kentucky Department for Local Government (DLG). The Local Match Participation Program (LMPP) helps local governments in Kentucky meet the non-federal cost-share requirements for flood-related projects.

Who Can Apply?

  • Cities, counties, and special purpose governmental entities
  • Joint applicants (e.g., city-county partnerships or multiple counties)

Funding Details

  • Check FEMA coverage first: FEMA may initially cover up to 100% of costs after disasters, reducing or eliminating the need for LMPP funds.
  • Federal Funding Required: DLG provides the required non-federal match or up to 50% of the total project cost.

Match Details

Projects must have secured funding from a federal agency or sponsor to match against, including but not limited to:

Federal Agencies

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE),
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (RD)

Federally Sponsored Pass-Through Funding, such as:

  • KY Transportation Cabinet (KYTC)
  • KY Emergency Management (KYEM)
  • KY Division of Water

Eligible Projects

Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to:

Structural Projects

  • Disaster recovery for public infrastructure and facilities
  • Demolition or relocation of flood-prone public properties
  • Construction or reconstruction of levees, floodgates, floodwalls, and small dams
  • Floodwater diversion and storage projects
  • Debris removal from small rivers and creeks

Non-Structural Projects

  • Acquisition of flood-prone properties
  • Flood inundation mapping and elevation studies
  • Installation of stream flow gauges
  • Planning and mitigation efforts to reduce future flood risks

How to Apply

1. Applications accepted year-round.

2. Complete the application form on the DLG website: https://dlg.ky.gov/grants/state/floodcontrol/Pages/default.aspx

3. Submit required documents:

  • Authorizing resolution
  • Legally binding agreement or commitment letter from the federal sponsor agency

4. Email applications to: Aaron Jones at aaronj.jones@ky.gov

2. More Disaster Relief and Mitigation Grants Are Available

Beyond FEMA, there are dozens of private and government grants aimed at disaster relief, infrastructure rebuilding, and mitigation projects.

Grant Ready Kentucky is compiling a comprehensive database of 60+ disaster relief and mitigation grants, including funding for:

  • Immediate disaster response
  • Long-term rebuilding
  • Flood mitigation projects
  • Community resilience planning

 View the full database of grants here.

3. Get 1-on-1 Help from Grant Professionals

If you're unsure where to start or need guidance navigating disaster relief funding, we’re here to help. Grant Ready Kentucky offers free 1-on-1 sessions with expert grant professionals who can assist with identifying funding, strategizing applications, and overcoming common challenges.

 Sign up for a session with a grant expert here.

We Are Here to Help

Grant Ready Kentucky is committed to ensuring Kentucky communities access every available dollar for rebuilding and future protection. If you need help navigating available grants, don’t hesitate to connect with us. Your community’s recovery matters, and we’re here to help.

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