Governor Rell: State Stands Ready to Help

Kentucky Recover from Devastating Ice Storm

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today she has written to the governor of Kentucky, to offer Connecticut’s help in providing emergency supplies in the aftermath of a last week’s deadly ice storm.

The storm knocked out power to about 1.3 million customers from the Southern Plains to the East Coast, hitting Kentucky the hardest. More than 50 deaths have been blamed on the storm with at least two dozen deaths reported in Kentucky.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has called it the biggest natural disaster in the state’s history. In her letter today, Governor Rell said that “Connecticut stands ready to help in any way we can.” Governor Rell assured the Kentucky governor that if he accepts her offer of help, she could turn to Connecticut residents for donations of bottled water, toiletries, blankets and other emergency supplies.

“Time and again we have seen Americans pull together in times of great need. This is one of those moments and I know the people of Connecticut would agree,” Governor Rell wrote. “We have a generous citizenry, one I am proud to represent.”

As of early this week, more than 500,000 Kentuckians were still without electricity and 24 deaths in that state have been blamed on the storm. The damage was so severe that, in many areas, utility infrastructure will need to be completely rebuilt.

“I have seen the images of the aftermath of this devastating ice storm and they are indeed heart wrenching,” Governor Rell wrote. “On behalf of the entire state of Connecticut, I want to extend our thoughts and prayers to you and all Kentuckians. As fellow Americans, we will stand with you.”