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State emergency manager: county reimbursement underway; siren upgrades dependent on grants; Gateway Search and Rescue awarded $8,243.99
Summary
Jason York, regional response manager for Kentucky Emergency Management, told the county court the agency is processing reimbursements for February flood response, awarded Gateway Search and Rescue $8,243.99, and said siren upgrades depend on grant availability though options such as transferred upgraded systems are being pursued.
Jason York, regional response manager for Kentucky Emergency Management, addressed the Montgomery County Fiscal Court on June 17, saying the agency is working to reimburse the county for personnel and time spent on the February flood response and expressing appreciation for local responders who assisted in southeastern Kentucky operations.
York told the court that Kentucky Emergency Management is processing reimbursement documentation and that the agency wants to ensure Montgomery County is properly supported. He said federal and FEMA funding have fluctuated recently, complicating timing for some disaster-preparedness projects.
York also announced a grant award to Gateway Search and Rescue in the amount of $8,243.99, which he said will "help further strengthen the team's capabilities" to serve Montgomery County and the region.
On community requests for improved storm warning systems, York described a two-pronged approach: pursuing grant funding for new sirens and negotiating to acquire upgraded, serviceable sirens from nearby communities that are replacing equipment. He described operational features and cautioned against overusing siren activation, saying the devices should signal only severe events that require people to take shelter and noting that 911 dispatch is often the appropriate central activation point.
Court members thanked York and county responders by name for their assistance during recent disasters. York said documentation for reimbursements is being prepared and that he and county staff will continue to pursue funding and logistical options for improved siren coverage.
