A RESOLUTION encouraging the development and construction of the East Kentucky Disaster Relief Center at Bear Mountain near Pikeville, Kentucky.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ashley Laferty

Advocates creating the East Kentucky Disaster Relief Center at Bear Mountain to centralize rapid response, shelter, medical, and distribution services for eastern Kentucky.

to Committee on Committees (H)

#commendationsandrecognitions #disastersandrecoveryefforts #floodcontrolandflooding #publicsafety

Summary of HR 84 (2026RS) — Kentucky

Purpose and intent

This resolution urges the development and construction of the East Kentucky Disaster Relief Center at Bear Mountain near Pikeville, Kentucky.

It highlights the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters in eastern Kentucky and positions a centralized disaster relief hub as a critical need for rapid response, efficient supply distribution, and support for displaced residents.

The resolution cites economic rationale for disaster mitigation, noting that every dollar spent on mitigation can yield up to $13 in benefits through avoided damages and faster recovery.

It aligns with the General Assembly’s 2025 Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force recommendations to expand community resilience by identifying existing resilience hubs and creating new ones as needed.

Key provisions and changes

The resolution declares the importance of disaster preparedness, mitigation, and resiliency efforts across the Commonwealth.

It endorses the development and construction of the East Kentucky Disaster Relief Center at Bear Mountain as a strategic, well-located facility to serve eastern Kentucky.

Specific components envisioned for the center include:

Helicopter landing sites
Recreational vehicle (RV) hook-ups
A dedicated communication center
A distribution facility
A command center
Emergency shelter space
A clinic equipped with basic first aid supplies

The University of Pikeville is identified as a facilitator for operating the disaster relief center, in cooperation with local law enforcement and first responders, through mutually beneficial agreements.

Who or what is affected

Eastern Kentucky communities at risk of natural disasters would be affected through improved disaster response infrastructure.

The University of Pikeville is designated to play a coordinating/operational role in facilitating the center’s operation.

Local law enforcement, first responders, and the surrounding community would participate in cooperative arrangements to support preparedness, response, and resilience efforts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced in the Kentucky House of Representatives on February 25, 2026; assigned to the Committee on Committees.

As a resolution, it expresses legislative intent and directs administrative actions (e.g., the Clerk of the House is tasked with transmitting the resolution to Representative Tackett Laferty for delivery to the University of Pikeville).

There is no direct appropriation or binding spending authorization contained within the text of the resolution. It serves to advocate for a project and outline the anticipated collaboration framework.

Practical impact

Signals legislative support for establishing a regional disaster relief hub in Bear Mountain, which could influence funding priorities, partnerships, and planning efforts.

Encourages leveraging federal, state, and local resources to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience in one of Kentucky’s most disaster-impacted regions.

Sets a framework for coordinated operations among the University of Pikeville, local agencies, and first responders, potentially accelerating planning and implementation if pursued.