Butler County will receive federal public assistance funding to assist with flood damages
Nikole Babb, nbabb@cherryroad.com
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall announced today that the Trump administration has approved federal funding following a request Governor Laura Kelly submitted in August. The funding will cover severe weather events that took place across the state, including Butler, Barber, Chase, Coffey, Cowley, Franklin, Greenwood, Harper, Hodgeman, Kingman, Lyon, Morris, Osage, Stanton, Sumner, and Wallace counties.
Following the severe storms that took place from June 3-7, Governor Laura Kelly submitted a major presidential disaster declaration for the Public Assistance Program on August 6 after a request by the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.
“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,” said Governor Kelly in her announcement.
After she submitted the request, several Kansas politicians submitted a support letter for the assistance, including, U.S. Senators Marshall, Jerry Moran, and U.S. Congressmen Tracey Mann, Derek Schmidt, Sharice Davids, and Ron Estes.
“We write today in support of Governor Laura Kelly’s request for a major disaster declaration for the State of Kansas following the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred from June 3 through June 7, 2025,” the letter stated. “The aftermath of these natural disasters has left lasting impacts on the communities affected beyond when the storms have taken place. Federal support must be provided to assist our state in emergency response and restoration efforts.”
President Trump made the phone call today to tell Senator Marshall the funds were approved. Both Senator Marshall and Moran agree that the aid will be integral in helping Kansas communities recover stronger than before. The funding will be used to help repair public infrastructure such as roads and buildings as well as Hazard Mitigation projects.
“Kansans are no strangers to the severe impacts of natural disasters on our state,” said Senator Moran in the release today. “I appreciate President Trump and FEMA approving Kansas’ request for federal support and a major disaster declaration following the devastating storms, winds, tornadoes, and flooding endured by Kansas communities earlier this year. This declaration will provide our state and local governments with resources to help Kansans recover and rebuild even stronger.”
Butler County is guaranteed to receive funds to repair flood damages. Specific fund disbursements will be determined by local entities through additional assessments.
