TOPEKA —President Donald Trump has granted Governor Laura Kelly’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the state due to damages caused by severe winter storm, straight-line winds, flooding, and wildfires during the period of March 14-19, 2025. Multiple counties sustained damage to utility infrastructure, roads, bridges, and some government-owned buildings, according to a media release from the governor's office.
“I am grateful that this request for federal assistance has been approved,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These federal funds will go a long way in supporting the restoration work by those in counties impacted by the storms.”
The declaration allows state and local levels of government, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations that provide vital and essential services, such as rural electric cooperatives, to apply for Public Assistance funds for emergency and permanent work for the repair or replacement of infrastructure damaged by the disaster.
Counties named in the declaration are Barton, Chautauqua, Edwards, Elk, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Gray, Greeley, Hodgeman, Jewell, Lincoln, Logan, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Pawnee, Phillips, Rice, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Stafford, Wallace, and Woodson Counties.