September 9, 2011

Expansion means local governments in 10 northwest and central Missouri counties can seek assistance for response and recovery expenses due to historic flooding

Federal disaster assistance for Missouri River flooding extended to local, county governments in 10 counties

JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Jay Nixon today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended federal disaster assistance to local governments in 10 Missouri counties that have been affected by historic Missouri River flooding since June 1. The expansion means that local and county governments in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Carroll, Cooper, Holt, Lafayette, Platte, Ray and Saline counties are eligible to seek assistance for response and recovery expenses incurred due to the record flooding.

"Local and county governments in several counties have been hard hit by major response expenses and the continuing costs associated with historic flooding along the Missouri River this spring and summer," Gov. Nixon said. "Many of those counties continue to feel the impact of the flooding, and this assistance means they are eligible to recover some of their expenses and make much needed improvements to roads, bridges and public infrastructure as they and local residents move forward."

On Aug. 12, President Barack Obama approved Gov. Nixon's request for a major disaster declaration for severe flooding along the Missouri River this spring and summer and provided disaster assistance to eligible individuals and families in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Holt, Lafayette and Platte counties for uninsured losses due to Missouri River flooding.

Gov. Nixon first declared a state of emergency in Missouri in April because of high winds, tornadoes and severe flooding that had affected the state. The initial order activated the State Emergency Operations Center and enabled the state to mobilize its resources - including the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Missouri National Guard and Missouri State Highway Patrol - to assist local authorities.

Because of the continuing need for state resources to assist Missouri communities throughout the spring and summer, the Governor extended the emergency declaration until Sept. 15.