Special to the Daily News

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Severe flooding in the western part of Kentucky and damaging storms in the east saw many counties, including Pike, be designated for federal disaster assistance.

The Federal Emergency management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Commonwealth of Kentucky has approved more than $21 million in assistance to Kentuckians affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 12 to May 20.

Of the total amount approved, $95,065 has been approved in Pike County. The funds were allocated as follows:

• Housing assistance: $92,188

• Other needs assistance: $2,877

• SBA: $0

There were 61 applications filed.

“Pike County, as a whole, was spared for the most part, but those who qualified certainly needed the assistance,” Pike County Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford said. “We were fortunate a presidential disaster declaration was in place for Kentucky after the major flooding in western Kentucky.”

Pike County Emergency Services Coordinator Doug Tackett says his office has taken every step possible toward getting people disaster assistance when needed.

“Of course the housing assistance we received is important,” Tackett said. “The other needs assistance (ONA) is also very important because those funds assist people with expenses incurred because of medical bills, funeral costs, and moving and storage fees.”

FEMA approved more than $8.4 million statewide for individual assistance (IA) and SBA loans have totaled more than $3.9 million.