KY Gov. Beshear visits Mayfield to view flooding

MAYFIELD, Ky. (KBSI) – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear visited Mayfield on Friday to view recent flooding.

Gov. Beshear held a news conference outside Mayfield Elementary School where floodwaters came up to the door.

“Now over the last year and a half, we’ve seen weather the likes that we’ve never seen before.” said Gov. Beshear.

The governor declared a State of Emergency on Wedneday, July 19.

As of Friday, the city of Mayfield had not made any requests for state assistance in the immediate aftermath of the flooding.

Five Kentucky emergengy management officials are on the ground helping.

Power outages were down to 246 Friday afternoon from 19,433 power outages at the peak. Several road were still closed due to high water.

Gov. Beshear said 47 individual assessments surveys have been completed. Forty-one of those were for individual and six for businesses. Surveys must be done in order to put together enough evidence to get a declaration.

Gov. Beshear believes the may be likely to qualify for some federal assistance.

Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan talked about how earlier in the week lightning struck a house about 2 a.m. and in about 15 minutes crews began water rescues.

“We feel like we didn’t completely dodge a bullet, but it certainly could have been worse,” said Mayor O’Nan. Mayfield and Graves County received help from a neighboring county. Marshall County crews showed up the next day with equipment and people to help.

Mayor O’Nan says the city is currently in the process to apply for a grant for storm water retention.

The city has a link for people to donate for July 2023 flooding relief. Visit recovermayfieldgraves.com/donate/ to help. Financials donations can also be made by contacting Executive Director Ryan Drane director@recovermayfieldgraves.com or by calling 270-247-5022.