Secretary of State Grimes visits Flemingsburg, Maysville, offers help, support to flood victims

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes visited badly damaged areas of Maysville and Flemingsburg Tuesday, offering assistance and support following a major flash flood event during weekend storms.

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes views some of the damage caused by weekend flooding (provided photos).

“Maysville is my home. It’s where I was born, where my grandparents lived, and where my family is still deeply rooted,” said Grimes. “Today, I’m heartbroken by the destruction many face, and I’m here to help and bring a message from state government: we’re with you. I know Maysville and Mason County will remain strong and rebuild.”

The storms dropped more than five inches of rain in the area in a few hours late Saturday and early Sunday morning. No injuries were reported in Mason County, but the floods did cause widespread damage to homes, businesses, and roads. Mason County declared a state of emergency early Sunday.

Grimes contacted mayors, county judge-executives, and Gov. Matt Bevin to discuss the need for assistance from state government, including a state of emergency designation to release critical state resources to the area.

“Gov. Bevin and I connected yesterday about the important need for cleanup resources in Maysville and surrounding areas in the wake of this terrible flood. I will continue to work with him, and I’m hopeful a state of emergency declaration will be issued soon.”

A home destroyed by the weekend floods

Grimes met with Red Cross volunteers Tuesday, brought supplies to the workers, and visited local businesses. She joined local officials, including Mason County Judge-Executive Joe Pfeffer and Maysville Mayor David Cartmell, to survey the damage.

The United Way of Mason County and Community Care of Mason County are working to provide relief to people affected by the storms. The United Way is accepting contributions online here. Mail checks to the United Way at P.O. Box 327, Maysville, KY 41056 or to Community Care of Mason County at 1679 Forest Ave., Maysville, KY 41056.