Gov. Kehoe seeks federal disaster aid after severe flooding in Missouri

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KBSI) — Gov. Mike Kehoe has requested joint federal, state and local damage assessments in nine Missouri counties as the state prepares to seek a federal disaster declaration following historic flash flooding and severe storms that struck July 9-11.

According to the governor’s office, teams from the State Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local emergency management agencies will begin conducting Preliminary Damage Assessments on Tuesday, July 21.

The assessments will take place in Bollinger, Crawford, Iron, Madison, Morgan, Reynolds, Ripley, Washington and Wayne counties. Additional counties could be added as damage reports continue to be collected.

The assessments will document damage to roads, bridges and other public infrastructure to determine whether Missouri qualifies for FEMA Public Assistance, which helps reimburse local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations for emergency response and recovery costs.

To assist residents affected by the flooding, SEMA is also opening a two-day Multi-Agency Resource Center in Reynolds County.

The resource center will be open at VFW Post 6660 RC, 2316 Green St. in Centerville, from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, July 24, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 25.

The center will provide assistance for individuals and families, including cleaning supplies, insurance information, food stamp replacement assistance, emergency financial assistance and legal services. Residents are encouraged to bring photo identification and proof of residence if available.

Missourians with unmet disaster-related needs can also contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.