June 19, 2009

Gov. Nixon's request for major disaster declaration for counties hit by May storms granted by President Obama

Gov. Nixon's request for major disaster declaration for counties hit by May storms granted by President Obama

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A request by Gov. Jay Nixon for a major disaster declaration for areas across Missouri hit by May's storms, tornadoes and flooding was granted today by President Barack Obama. The declaration paves the way for counties and local governments affected by the storms to seek millions of dollars in federal funds for disaster-related costs, and allows individuals to receive reimbursement for qualifying, storm-related damages.

The federal government will reimburse local governments for 75 percent of their emergency response and eligible recovery activities associated with the May 8-16 severe weather.

"I appreciate the President making this declaration so that our counties, communities and affected individuals can have the help they need in recovering their costs," Gov. Nixon said. "Local officials responded very quickly to these devastating storms, and this declaration will help speed their recovery."

The President's declaration will assist 46 counties in recovering from the damage caused by this major storm. Those counties are Adair, Barton, Bollinger, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Cedar, Crawford, Dade, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Howell, Iron, Jasper, Knox, Laclede, Lewis, Madison, Maries, Marion, Miller, Newton, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, Ray, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Saline, Shannon, Shelby, Stone, Sullivan, Texas, Vernon, Washington, Wayne, Webster, and Wright.

Additionally, the declaration will make funds available to individuals in certain counties for eligible, storm-related damages and expenses. Those counties are Adair, Barry, Barton, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Greene, Howell, Iron, Jasper, Jefferson, Laclede, Lawrence, Madison, Newton, Ozark, Polk, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Francois, Shannon, Texas, Washington, and Webster.

On May 20, Gov. Nixon requested a major disaster declaration from President Obama. This followed a series of visits by the Governor to affected areas.

The Governor conducted visits to Carl Junction, Charity and Fair Grove on May 9; to Fredericktown on May 12; and to Kirksville and Novinger on May 14 to meet with emergency responders and to survey the damage himself. To help Missourians clean up after the storms, he issued an executive order to allow temporary waiving of any statutes or administrative rules or regulations in order to serve the interests of public health and safety. Following that order, Department of Natural Resources Director Mark Templeton waived rules regarding burning of downed tree limbs and brush for counties affected by the storm system.