Hardin County reports continuing flood damage, awaiting federal disaster declaration

Hardin County officials updated the fiscal court on recovery from recent floods and described next steps for state and federal assistance.

Judge Executive reported county staff and emergency management teams were finishing surveys required by Kentucky Emergency Management and had completed assessments in several affected communities, including West Point and Colesburg. County staff were also gathering information on public‑assistance needs for roads and other county infrastructure.

Judge Executive said five county roads remained closed at the time of the meeting and that the county was awaiting a presidential disaster declaration. He said the county’s information had been submitted and officials were “confident” a declaration would be signed but noted there is no certainty until the President signs. Once declared, FEMA individual assistance and public‑assistance programs would be available, the judge said.

Public comment praised county responders, volunteers, and the sheriff’s office. Sheriff John Ward described heavy activity for first responders and thanked community members helping neighbors; he also said the sheriff’s office was collecting donated cleaning supplies for distribution in affected areas.

Ending: officials said they will continue state required surveys, pursue the federal declaration, and coordinate distribution of donated goods; county staff asked residents to monitor official county channels for updates.