Steve Beshear

Steve Beshear is the current Democratic governor of the state of Kentucky. On February 2, 2009, he asked President Barack Obama to declare a major disaster for his state because of an ice storm.BizJournals: Beshear asks Obama for declaration of major disaster (February 2, 2009)

The January 27, 2009, storm took out electricity in 1.3 million homes and businesses in a swath from Oklahoma to West Virginia, and killed at least 40.MSNBC: Arkansas Power Outages among Millions in U.S (January 29, 2009)

In Kentucky, at least 21 deaths have been attributed to the storm. Emergency housing was set up for about 6,400 people.MSNBC: Gov. Visits Western KY To Assess Damage (February 2, 2009)

Beshear activated 4,600 guardsmen to help with the storm cleanup, including all Kentucky Army National Guard units and portions of the Air National Guard, the largest call up in the state's history.MSNBC: Gov. Visits Western KY To Assess Damage (February 2, 2009)

By February 2, 2009, the costs of the outage and recovery had grown to $45 million in Kentucky. Under a typical major disaster declaration, the federal government can reimburse up to 75% of the costs for worker overtime, debris removal equipment and generators. Beshear is asking for 100% of the cost for expenses incurred during the first week, and 75% of the cost after that.BizJournals: Beshear asks Obama for declaration of major disaster (February 2, 2009)

1. State of Kentucky: Governor Steve Beshear

2. BizJournals: Beshear asks Obama for declaration of major disaster (February 2, 2009)

3. MSNBC: Gov. Visits Western KY To Assess Damage (February 2, 2009)

4. MSNBC: Beshear Wants Federal Storm Aide (January 29, 2009)

5. MSNBC: Arkansas Power Outages among Millions in U.S (January 29, 2009)

6. Wikipedia: Steve Beshear

7. YouTube: Ky. Governor Asks Obama to Speed Up Disaster Aid (Time: 1:29)