Eastern Kentucky Expo Center

May 15th, 2009
SOURCE: Medical Leader Flood Blog

Pikeville, KY— The East Kentucky Exposition Center in Pikeville has been transformed into a regional distribution center for disseminating relief supplies throughout Pike and other nearby counties that have been devastated by recent flooding.

Trucks from the U.S. Army National Guard, the Red Cross and other relief agencies are being sent from the Expo to distribution points throughout Pike County, including Belfry High School, Pike County Central High School, Hurricane Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Island Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Johns Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Big Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Belfry Satellite Courthouse, Kimper Volunteer Fire Department, Phelps Volunteer Fire Department, Blackberry Volunteer Fire Department, and Phyllis Church of Christ. The trucks are also being sent from the Expo to distribution points in neighboring counties including Floyd, Breathitt, Owsley, and Lee.

“The Expo became a distribution center for Pike County on Sunday, when the Division of Emergency Management in Frankfort started shipping supplies. By Monday, it had become a regional distribution center for surrounding counties as well, shipping relief items such as water, food, and various cleaning supplies that have been donated from numerous business and agencies, including Kelloggs, Wal-Mart, Mother Nature, and the Red Cross,” said Pike County Office of Emergency Management Director Doug Tackett.

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Hundreds of people in Eastern Kentucky are relying on disaster relief supplies one week after floods devastated the area.

The East Kentucky Expo Center is now a regional distribution center of water, food and cleaning supplies from state emergency management officials, relief agencies and donors.

Pike County, Expo Center employees and volunteers are working at the Expo Center in Pikeville with the National Guard and Red Cross to make sure relief supplies are sent to Floyd, Breathitt, Owsley, Lee and Pike counties.

The hub opened Sunday and quickly expanded its reach.

"Initially we were just bringing in supplies for Pike County, but because we established so early, we started getting supplies for the other areas," said Emergency Management Director Doug Tackett.

Counties tell the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center what's needed. Requests also come to the National Guard or Red Cross and then leave from here.

"Part of why the building is here is to better the quality of life for Eastern Kentucky, not just Pike County. It's not always the fun times and the shows and circuses," said Shannon Deskins.

Officials say the Expo Center was always part of the plan for disaster response in our region.

Expo Center officials say this will be used as a regional distribution for relief supplies for as long as it is needed.

The company that manages the Expo Center also operates arenas that served as shelters for hurricane victims in Texas and Louisiana.