Gov. Kehoe seeks federal disaster aid for 12 Missouri counties after April storms, tornadoes

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KBSI) — Mike Kehoe has requested a federal disaster declaration for 12 Missouri counties following severe storms, tornadoes, hail and flooding that struck the state April 23-28.

According to the governor’s office, the request asks the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide federal assistance for damage caused by at least eight confirmed tornadoes, straight-line winds and large hail, including softball-sized hail reported in parts of the state.

Kehoe is requesting FEMA Individual Assistance for residents in Clay, Gentry, Greene, Holt, Randolph and Saline counties after officials verified uninsured damage to more than 140 households. If approved, residents could qualify for assistance with temporary housing, home repairs and replacement of damaged belongings and vehicles.

The governor is also requesting FEMA Public Assistance for Carroll, Chariton, Greene, Holt, Howard, Monroe, Randolph, Ripley, Saline and St. Francois counties. The assistance would help reimburse local governments and nonprofit agencies for emergency response and infrastructure repair costs.

State officials said damage assessments conducted by the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, FEMA and local officials estimated more than $36 million in public infrastructure damage and emergency response costs.

Officials also announced a second request Thursday for joint preliminary damage assessments following another round of severe weather and flooding between May 16-19.

The state requested FEMA assessments in Andrew, Atchison, Camden, Daviess, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Morgan, Nodaway, Sullivan and Worth counties as Missouri considers seeking a second federal disaster declaration.