MO Gov. Parson requests major disaster declaration after May storms
(KBSI) – Missouri Governor Mike Parson requested on Wednesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to 15 counties in response to multiple severe weather systems that impacted the state from May 19–27.
These storms generated tornadoes, high winds, heavy rain and flooding across southern Missouri. They caused significant damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local partners have been working tirelessly and in close coordination with FEMA to document damage in the areas impacted by these storms,” Governor Parson said. “Today, we are requesting a federal disaster declaration to further support the affected communities and their recovery efforts. We are confident federal assistance will be forthcoming and greatly appreciate the critical work already being done by local response agencies and many volunteer partners to help Missourians in need.”
FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local officials conducted join damage assessments. They estimate more than $20 million in emergency response costs and damage to public infrastructure.
Based on those assessments, Gov. Parson requests public assistance for Barry, Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Howell, McDonald, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Texas counties.
If approved, the public assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs. That includes repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.
Governor Parson also requested Individual Assistance in Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Texas counties.
Of 543 homes assessed in these counties, 171 sustained major damage and 20 were destroyed.
Individual Assistance would allow eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles and other qualifying expenses.
Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) are one-stop shops for recovery resources. They were hosted in Sikeston on June 9 and 10 and in Dexter on June 11. The MARCs served more than 1,000 impacted people from 373 households. A fourth MARC was hosted in Doniphan on June 12.
Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
Visit recovery.mo.gov for additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance and mental health services.
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