Limited rainfall in 2023 has left city without sufficient water
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 10, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for the city of Fleming-Neon in Letcher County due to a water shortage.
“Today’s action of declaring a state of emergency for the city of Fleming-Neon is intended to put into motion all the things we can do at the state level to help alleviate the situation and provide support,” Gov. Beshear said. “We stand ready to help make sure our people have access to clean water.”
Citing low water levels in the city’s freshwater well, Fleming-Neon Mayor Rick Burke declared a local state of emergency Jan. 5. That day, Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) provided Fleming-Neon with 22 pallets of drinking water, and today, the mayor informed KYEM that the city needs additional drinking water.
With the declaration of a state of emergency by the Governor, KYEM can begin to coordinate response and relief activities, and the Kentucky National Guard can mobilize the personnel and equipment that may be required. Additional cabinets and state agencies can also act with the state of emergency in place.
The Governor has also activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect families from grossly overpriced goods and services. With the state of emergency in place, consumers in the commonwealth can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General. Under state law, price gougers can be held accountable.
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