President Donald Trump has signed a federal disaster declaration for the state of Kansas to support emergency measures within the state related to the COVID-19 virus.
The declaration authorizes federal funds for emergency
protective measures not authorized under other federal statutes, including
direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program for local,
state, and Indian tribal governments, and certain private nonprofit
organizations at 75 percent federal funding for all areas in Kansas. Additional
designations may be made later if warranted by the results of further
assessments.
On behalf of the people of Kansas, I want to thank
President Trump for granting this declaration, Governor Laura Kelly said.
This money will go a long way toward protecting the emergency personnel who
work tirelessly to stem the outbreak and care for those stricken by this virus.
I thank them for their dedication and I also want to thank everyone who
coordinates the many behind-the-scenes pieces of disaster management the public
rarely sees, but are so important in protecting the health and safety of all
Kansans.
The request was made by Gov. Kelly March 26 for the
disaster period beginning January 20 and continuing. As of March 30, Kansas has
seen eight deaths due to COVID-19 and has 372 confirmed cases in 40 counties
across the state.