The state of Missouri is seeking federal assistance for residents and businesses affected by flooding in 41 Missouri counties.
A news release says- acting on behalf of Governor Mike Parson- Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump issue a major disaster declaration to assist residents and businesses that have been hard hit by flooding, tornadoes and severe storms from April 29 throughout the spring.
Governor Parson said joint Preliminary Damage Assessments, conducted by the State Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency and local officials, examined 1,650 primary homes, of which 953 had been destroyed or sustained major damage. The assessments also showed that 125 of 251 businesses that were examined had been destroyed or sustained major damage.
Based on the joint assessments, the state has requested Individual Assistance, which would allow eligible residents to seek federal assistance with temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles and other qualifying expenses as a result of the flooding and storms. The counties in the KMMO listening area include Carroll, Chariton, Cooper, Howard, Lafayette and Saline.
Seven teams began conducting joint damage assessments on Tuesday, June 24, for Public Assistance, which would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement costs for damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.
The state expects to request Public Assistance once joint Preliminary Damage Assessments are completed in 64 counties, including Carroll, Chariton, Lafayette and Saline.
Additional joint damage assessments for public assistance may be conducted in more Missouri counties as additional information is gathered locally when floodwater recedes.