(WKYT) – Gov. Andy Beshear signed a bill into law Monday that creates a fund to help Kentucky homeowners pay for storm shelters, but no money has been set aside for the program yet.
According to Beshear’s office, Kentucky has had 15 federally declared weather disasters in the past six years. That includes a deadly EF-4 tornado that ripped through Laurel and Pulaski counties in May last year.
Finding funding a work in progress
“We’re talking about saving some people’s lives,” said Sen. Stephen Meredith, sponsor of Senate Bill 11. “I think one of the biggest challenges we have in Frankfort is we really don’t take the time to remember the cost of doing nothing.”
Linda Eslinger, a tornado survivor, says costs can be high to install a storm shelter.
“The one I was looking at is around 15,000 dollars,” Eslinger said. “We don’t have that.”
Beshear’s office says homeowners will be eligible to get 50% of their installation and construction costs for a safe room, but it cannot exceed $5,000.
Meredith said finding funding is a work in progress.
“The bill was written where we receive federal funds but also private donations,” Meredith said. “And I hope that can be a source for us in the future.”
County working on interim solutions
The funding program officially starts in January 2027. In the meantime, Pulaski County Emergency Management is working to find solutions.
The county’s current plan is activating community shelter locations when a tornado watch is issued. Emergency Management Director Chris Mason said the May tornadoes sparked a change in mindset.
“We start getting folks moving a whole lot earlier and I would rather get folks moved and have them already in shelter well before or even as a front’s arriving as opposed to when it’s right on top of us,” Mason said.
Tonya Poindexter, a tornado survivor, said she and many other survivors suffer from PTSD. The possibility of having a shelter nearby eases worries.
“Just knowing that they are working towards that will help so many people and give us a little hope for the future,” Poindexter said.