Jane Welch, Director of Public Affairs

Photo Courtesy of Governor’s Office

Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency asking for a major presidential disaster declaration for the Public Assistance Program due to damage to public infrastructure caused by severe storms and flooding during the period of June 3-7, 2025. Due to severe storms and flooding, multiple counties sustained damage to utility infrastructure, roads, and bridges.

 On June 24, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management requested a joint Public Assistance Program to assess damage caused during the period of June 3-7. 

 Counties included in this request included: Barber, Butler, Chase, Cowley, Coffey, Franklin, Greenwood, Harper, Hodgeman, Kingman, Lyon, Morris, Osage, Stanton, Sumner, and Wallace.

Governor Kelly said, “Due to the extent of the damage, it will be important to have federal support available to assist rural electric cooperatives and municipally owned utilities rebuild their electric utility infrastructure.”