AUGUST 4, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson requested that the President issue a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in the City of St. Louis as well as St. Louis, St. Charles, and Montgomery counties in response to record flash flooding in the region.

"Our state and local teams have been working around the clock to assist Missourians in the St. Louis region and provide resources," Governor Parson said. "Today, we are requesting a federal major disaster declaration in order to provide further aid to support the region's recovery. We appreciate our SEMA team, first responders, and community partners who continue helping the St. Louis region move forward from this disaster."

Of 1,338 homes assessed, more than 750 had sustained major damage. The assessments, which were conducted by eight joint Preliminary Damage Assessment teams, including representatives from the State Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and local officials, also showed 131 of 206 businesses that were examined had sustained major damage.

Based on the joint assessments, Governor Parson has requested Individual Assistance for the City of St. Louis and St. Louis and St. Charles counties. Individual Assistance allows 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. 

Joint assessments also determined more than $35 million in damage to uninsured infrastructure and emergency response costs were incurred in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis, St. Charles, and Montgomery counties. If approved, Public Assistance 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.

Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) were hosted in Wentzville on August 2, and Florissant on August 3, to assist disaster survivors with unmet needs. These MARCs have served more than 800 impacted individuals. Due to severe weather Wednesday and the building reaching capacity, the Florissant MARC closed early to ensure public safety. SEMA’s Emergency Human Services team is working with volunteer and faith-based partners to determine if additional MARCs are needed next week. Two more MARCs are taking place this week in University City and the City of St. Louis.

Scheduled Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs)

Thursday, August 4

Centennial Commons

7210 Olive Blvd. | University City, MO 63130

3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday, August 5, and Saturday, August 6

Friendly Temple Church

5515 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive | St. Louis, MO 63111

3 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday

The American Red Cross has a shelter open for displaced survivors at the St. Vincent Community Center, 7335 St. Charles Rock Rd, St. Louis, MO 63133. Since July 26, the shelter has provided more than 160 overnight stays.

Since last week, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has already paid more than $785,000 in claims for flooding losses in Missouri.

Individuals with unmet needs and those who would like to help should contact United Way 211. Call 2-1-1 for assistance or visit http://211helps.org.

Visit recovery.mo.gov for additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri. Businesses are encouraged to visit the “Get Back in Business” button for a listing of opportunities and programs.

JULY 31, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis, St. Charles, and Montgomery counties in response to record flash flooding in the region.

“Our SEMA team members have been on the ground assisting local officials through the weekend to document damage, collect initial cost estimates, and substantiate the need for FEMA disaster assistance,” Governor Parson said. “We cannot thank our SEMA and local teams enough for their efforts in assisting the St. Louis region, and we are confident FEMA’s participation in joint damage assessments will confirm the need for a federal Major Disaster Declaration. We expect FEMA personnel to be on the ground Monday working alongside state and local personnel.”

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, State Emergency Management Agency, and local emergency management officials. To expedite the federal disaster process, SEMA experts in damage assessments from across the state have been assisting local teams in the region since July 27.

Eight teams will jointly verify documented damage in order to determine which federal programs can be requested to help support recovery. Those who have experienced flood- and storm-related damage should report it to their local emergency management agency if they haven’t already. Additional joint damage assessments can be conducted in more Missouri counties if additional information is documented locally.

On Tuesday, July, 26, Missouri issued Executive Order 22-05 in response to the severe flooding. The Order declared a State of Emergency in Missouri and activated the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions in order to provide assistance.

To assist families impacted by flooding and severe storms, several Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) have been organized in the St. Louis region by SEMA’s Emergency Human Services team, the Missouri Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Service Partnership (The Partnership), Missouri Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster (MOVOAD), the St. Louis Area and St. Charles Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), local volunteer and faith-based organizations, and other state/local agencies. MARCs are one-stop shops that pull together recovery resources in communities impacted by disasters.

Four MARCs will take place this week, in Wentzville, Florissant, University City, and the City of St. Louis:

Tuesday, August 2

Element Church

100 Mall Pkwy, Unit 500 | Wentzville, MO 63385

3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wednesday, August 3

John F. Kennedy Community Center

315 Howdershell Road | Florissant, MO 63031

3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Thursday, August 4

Centennial Commons

7210 Olive Blvd. | University City, MO 63130

3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday, August 5

St. Louis City location TBD

An American Red Cross shelter is open for displaced survivors at the St. Vincent Community Center, 7335 St. Charles Rock Rd, St. Louis, MO 63133. Since Tuesday, more than 100 individuals have stayed in a Red Cross shelter overnight.

Individuals with unmet needs and those who would like to help should contact United Way 211. Call 2-1-1 for assistance or visit http://211helps.org.

Visit recovery.mo.gov for additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including mold and general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services.

JULY 29, 2022

Jefferson City — As the state continues working to document damage levels necessary for a federal disaster declaration in response to the record flooding in the St. Louis region, Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) damage assessment experts are in the field working alongside local emergency managers to assess storm damage and estimate repair costs.

Due to the extent of the flooding damage in the densely populated metropolitan region, SEMA took the unprecedented step of deploying eight emergency coordinators to work alongside local officials to speed the process by which Governor Mike Parson can request a federal major disaster declaration and federal assistance.

“Because of the devastating impact of the record rainfall and flooding, we’ve deployed multiple SEMA team members from across the state to take part in what is normally a process handled by local assessment teams,” Governor Parson said. “The combined state-local teams are making steady progress, despite Thursday’s additional flooding, which means we will be able to expedite our request for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teams to conduct Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments, and ultimately a federal Major Disaster Declaration."

"We know this federal process can be frustrating for affected communities. However, we are working to meet federal requirements as quickly as possible and will continue to deploy every state resource necessary and available to support the St. Louis region," Governor Parson continued.

Residents affected by flooding are reminded to document all damage, including with photographs, before starting any repairs; to retain all receipts; and to contact their local emergency manager to report damage.

Multi-Agency Resource Centers to Offer One-Stop Assistance 

The first of several one-stop shops to provide disaster assistance for flood survivors with unmet needs will be held in Wentzville on Tuesday, August 2. SEMA has been working with volunteer and faith-based organizations to organize these events that are known as a Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs). A MARC is a central location for flood survivors to receive recovery resources and assistance information.

Resources that will be available include emergency clean-up supplies, emergency food boxes, food stamp replacement services, emergency financial assistance, insurance information, legal services, and other disaster-related services.

The Wentzville MARC will be hosted at the Element Church, 100 Mall Pkwy, Unit 500, Wentzville, MO 63385 on Tuesday, August 2 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Anyone impacted by the recent flooding is encouraged to attend. Childcare is available at the MARC. Please bring proof of address. 

A second MARC will be hosted at the John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell Road, Florissant, MO 63031 on Wednesday, August 3 from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Plans for two additional MARCs are being finalized.

Flood survivors with unmet recovery needs can reach out to United Way Missouri by calling 2-1-1 or online at 211.

Individuals and business owners should notify their insurance companies of damage and not wait for damage assessments. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance has an online post-disaster claims guide that can be viewed here. The department’s Insurance Consumer Hotline is 800-726-7390.

Missouri’s disaster recovery website has many additional resources and information about disaster recovery, including mold and general clean-up information, food safety, and vital records replacement: recovery.mo.gov.

“Our first responders have responded quickly to this unprecedented flooding, and we’re extremely grateful for the selfless work of good Samaritans who’ve gone out of their way to assist others,” Governor Parson said. “Lives have been saved because of swift action. We and our local partners are determined to move quickly at every step in this process so that the St. Louis region can rebuild, recover, and move forward.”

JULY 26, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, acting on behalf of Governor Mike Parson, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 22-05 in response to severe flooding occurring in the St. Louis region. The Order declares a State of Emergency exists in Missouri and activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions in order to provide assistance. 

"With record rainfall impacting the St. Louis region and the potential for additional rain and isolated thunderstorms, we want to ensure that our communities have every resource available to respond and protect Missourians," Governor Parson said. "Our state government team will work to assist affected Missourians and provide ongoing relief and support during this emergency. We urge Missourians to follow the direction of local authorities and emergency managers, never drive in floodwaters, and always use common sense to prevent injury." 

“State agencies are prepared and ready to provide assistance to Missourians in flood-impacted areas,” Lieutenant Governor Kehoe said. “Enacting the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan enables us to work more efficiently and effectively with local partners and ensures affected communities in the St. Louis region will have access to necessary resources and services.”

Beginning late Monday night and overnight, parts of the St. Louis region experienced record rainfall that led to severe and widespread flash flooding. By 7 a.m., more than 8.06 inches of rainfall had been observed at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, breaking the all-time daily rainfall total of 6.85 inches set in 1915. St. Peters has received over 12 inches of rainfall and O’Fallon more than 10 inches, according to the National Weather Service. 

The flooding led to hundreds of rescues from flooded vehicles and homes. The Missouri State Highway Patrol alone responded to more than 100 calls for assistance this morning. The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated since early this morning to monitor conditions and coordinate state response.  

“Today there was tremendous work by local first responders, emergency managers, and citizen rescuers rushing to help during these extremely dangerous conditions,” SEMA Director Jim Remillard said. “Please continue to avoid the impacted areas, and if anyone has unmet needs, we encourage you to call United Way 2-1-1.”

Missourians are reminded to always be careful around flooded areas and understand the risks floodwater poses.

• Avoid walking through floodwater and keep children from playing in it.
  • Standing water can carry infectious diseases and hide hazards, including road damage, glass, and sewage.
  • Storm drains can create an extremely dangerous situation for anyone caught in the current.
• Never attempt to drive over flooded roads.

Executive Order 22-05 also serves as the first step required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order for Missouri to seek a federal Major Disaster Declaration if damage meets federal thresholds.

To view Executive Order 22-05, click here. 

JULY 26, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, acting on behalf of Governor Mike Parson, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Clay and Jackson counties on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, to honor North Kansas City Police Department Officer Daniel F. Vasquez.

“Officer Vasquez pursued his dream of becoming a police officer with enthusiasm and determination,” Governor Mike Parson said. “It takes a special type of individual to devote his or her life to public service and accept the risks and sacrifices that come with protecting the public. Daniel Vasquez was willing to do that and more. It is tragic that senseless violence has taken the life of a young officer with such a bright future. Our prayers are with his family and the law enforcement community.”

“Officer Daniel Vasquez bravely and proudly served his community, fulfilling his lifelong dream of working in law enforcement,” Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe said. “Claudia and I continue to pray for Daniel’s family and the entire law enforcement community during this difficult time. This tragic act of violence is a solemn reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face each day to keep their communities safe, and of the debt we owe these heroes for their courageous service.”

On July 19, Officer Vasquez was on duty when he initiated a vehicle stop of a motorist for an expired temporary vehicle registration. He was ambushed and mortally wounded as he approached the stopped vehicle on foot. He was posthumously awarded the North Kansas City Police Department Medal of Valor.

Officer Vasquez, 32, began his career with the North Kansas City Police Department when he entered the Kansas City Regional Police Academy on January 4, 2021. He graduated on July 8, 2021, and received his Missouri Peace Officer license and was commissioned by the department the same day. Prior to joining the police department, Vasquez had served as a civilian detention officer with the Kansas City Police Department and as a security officer for the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District.

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Officer Vasquez is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here. 

JULY 26, 2022

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson has issued the following statement in response to substantial rainfall and flooding occurring in the St. Louis area:

"I have been briefed on the extreme flooding in the St. Louis area. We appreciate the rapid and professional response of local first responders and emergency managers involved in flood rescues and other protective measures. We also thank our Missouri State Highway Patrol and MoDOT crews for working alongside local teams."

"The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and Department of Public Safety are coordinating with local response agencies to provide additional assistance as needed to protect Missourians. Lt. Governor Kehoe has also been briefed on the situation and is ready to act on my behalf, if needed, while I am on our international trade mission."

"We urge Missourians to continue to follow the safety messaging of local authorities and avoid travel in flooded areas until floodwaters recede. Never attempt to drive in floodwater."

For the latest updates on flooding conditions and helpful tips, follow @MoPublicSafety, @MoSEMA_, and @MoDOT on Twitter. Missourians can also view updates on road conditions using the MoDOT Traveler Information Map.

JULY 21, 2022

Jefferson City — In response to increasingly dry conditions and the growing threat of serious drought, especially across Missouri's southern counties, Governor Mike Parson today issued Executive Order 22-04 calling upon the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to activate the Drought Assessment Committee and the associated drought impact teams.

“I know on my farm that conditions have deteriorated quickly, and we are hearing the same reports from countless other farm and ranch families across the state,” Governor Parson said. “By responding now, early in this drought, we can greatly reduce the impact on our agricultural community and Missouri citizens. Our farmers are a critical resource for our state, and it is important that we assist them as much as possible through this difficult time.”

Governor Parson has directed all state agencies to examine how they may assist affected communities, as well as those communities that may be affected in the future, through temporary suspension of administrative rules, appropriation, or other means of support to mitigate the effects of drought conditions.

Additionally, Governor Parson has proactively directed the departments of Natural Resources and Conservation to create a process for allowing farmers water access at state parks and conservation areas. The Department of Natural Resources will also assess state park areas that can be made available for haying. The Missouri Department of Transportation will offer special over-width hauling permits, which waive certain fees and restrictions to farmers and ranchers moving hay.

In response to the Governor’s request, the Soil and Water Conservation Commission will hold a special session next Monday, July 25, to consider assistance and variances that can be provided to help Missouri’s agriculture producers.

The Executive Order declares a drought alert for 53 counties in southern and central Missouri, primarily counties south of the Missouri River. A drought alert, part of Missouri’s Drought Plan, is the initial catalyst that allows the Governor to direct state agencies to work together and provide as many resources and as much assistance as possible.

“Drought conditions in many parts of Missouri compound the challenges producers are already facing with high fuel prices and input costs,” Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn said. “Livestock producers are having to make difficult decisions about selling livestock because there is no pasture in many areas. Grain farmers are watching their crops wither before pollination. Conditions are difficult for many Missouri farmers and ranchers.”

In accordance with Missouri’s Drought Plan, the Department of Natural Resources has been engaging partners to assess emerging drought conditions for several weeks. In a fast-moving drought, local condition reports are crucial to understanding impacts to provide timely and appropriate assistance.

“Our partners are doing a great job helping us assess drought conditions across Missouri,” said Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Dru Buntin. “We’re also relying on help from our citizens in reporting and submitting photographs of the conditions they’re seeing locally.”

Citizens can submit information about local drought conditions at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR).

A variety of helpful resources are online at www.dnr.mo.gov/drought. The Department of Natural Resources is adding information on drought mitigation and assistance opportunities daily as it becomes available. The one-stop drought website features a link to CMOR, current drought-related news, the current United States and Missouri drought maps, the Missouri Drought Plan, and other resources, including information on previous droughts.

The Missouri Department of Conservation also warns of the increased risk for wildfires that drought conditions can cause. For more information on how best to prevent wildfires, visit MDC's wildfire prevention website: www.mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention.

“In addition to the impacts on Missouri farmers and agriculture, drought conditions are causing an increase in wildfires and wildfire risk, particularly across southern Missouri the last few weeks,” Missouri Department of Conservation Director Sara Parker Pauley said. “The Department works closely with 775 rural fire departments to fight wildfires in Missouri. We ask Missourians to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires and report any wildfires you observe to your local fire department or sheriff department, especially during times of drought.”

To view Executive Order 22-04, click here. 

JULY 20, 2022

Jefferson City — From July 23 - 30, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will travel to Germany and the Netherlands for their fourth international Trade Mission. Germany and the Netherlands are key trade partners for Missouri, with nearly $679 million and more than $223 million in exports in 2021, respectively.

Consistent with Governor Parson’s infrastructure and economic development priorities, the goal of the Trade Mission is to build relationships with key international figures to promote Missouri’s strong capacity for trade.

“International trade is important to Missouri’s success, and we look forward to meeting with business leaders in Germany and the Netherlands to expand our opportunities,” Governor Parson said. “Germany and the Netherlands are home to world-class companies, including many already growing in our state. Our goal is to strengthen these relationships while promoting Missouri as an ideal location for additional investment.”

The Trade Mission will include stops in Frankfurt and Düsseldorf, Germany, as well as Amsterdam and the Hague, Netherlands, to meet with government officials, diplomats, and business leaders to promote Missouri as a prime destination for business investment and expansion. Governor Parson will meet with company representatives that have existing relationships in Missouri to thank them for their investments in the state and companies without a presence in Missouri to encourage them to consider Missouri for future investments.

The nearly $902 million in goods exported to Germany and the Netherlands in 2021 show the importance of international trade to the state’s economic success. Among the goods exported to Germany, chemicals and pharmaceutical products were among those in highest demand. Pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and other electronic components ranked highly among exports to the Netherlands.

Germany Highlights

Governor Parson will take part in meetings with executives of several leading companies, including BASF, the largest chemical producer in the world, Bayer, a multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company, German airline Lufthansa, and more.

Meetings scheduled include Norman T. Scharpf, U.S. Consul General Frankfurt; Pauline Kao, U.S. Consul General Düsseldorf; Mona Neubaur, Deputy Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia; as well as several German companies with an existing presence in Missouri.

Netherlands Highlights

Meetings scheduled include Ms. Aleisha Woodward, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in The Hague and a commercial briefing from the U.S. Embassy Netherlands Country team. Governor Parson will also meet with several Netherlands companies to discuss future growth plans.

The Trade Mission is funded by the Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization. For updates on the trip, follow @GovMikeParson on Facebook and @GovParsonMO on Twitter.

JULY 15, 2022

Jefferson City — On July 16, 2022, the newly designated 9-8-8, three-digit number, will route individuals to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, where compassionate, accessible care and support are available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis. The 988 line is confidential and free for all. The Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255, will continue to function. After July 16, 2022, both numbers will connect individuals to the same services.

"The launch of the 988 crisis line will establish a more streamlined and effective resource for Missourians in behavioral health crisis," Governor Parson said. "We know that when individuals are experiencing crisis the sooner we can connect them to support and provide assistance the better. The launch of 988 is an important step in addressing the mental health crisis and saving lives."

The 988 line will be the first step to engage individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. There are seven crisis centers in Missouri responsible for answering 988 contacts for the state. The trained crisis specialists at each center will listen, work to understand how the individual’s problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources. Crisis specialists will also have the ability to dispatch mobile crisis response teams for additional crisis response wherever the crisis is occurring in the community and based on the needs of the person.

“The Missouri Department of Mental Health is seizing this opportunity to advance current crisis services towards an evidence-based care continuum prepared to deliver high-quality behavioral health services statewide,” said DMH Director Valerie Huhn. “Providing consistent crisis care and support will be integral to reducing the burden on and misuse of law enforcement/emergency response and other public health services.”

While 988 is a national initiative, it is up to each state to ensure crisis services are available to anyone, anywhere, and anytime. After nearly two years of planning and preparation, Missouri’s 988 centers are prepared and ready to answer the projected 253,000 contacts (calls, texts, and chats) expected in the first year of the 988 implementation. 

For more information on 988 in Missouri, please visit https://dmh.mo.gov/behavioral-health/988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline.

Need to talk or get immediate help in a crisis? Help is available. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out by calling or texting 988, or chatting at https://988lifeline.org/.

Provided is a link to the 988 media toolkit: https://sites.google.com/view/mdmh988toolkit/home.

JULY 8, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced three judicial appointments to the 7th and 22nd Judicial Circuits.

The Honorable Alisha O'Hara, of Kearney, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit.

Judge O'Hara currently serves as Associate Circuit Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Elizabeth Davis.

Ms. Rochelle Woodiest, of St. Louis, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit. 

Ms. Woodiest currently serves as Treatment Court Commissioner for the 22nd Judicial Circuit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Iowa State University and a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University. She will fill the Associate Circuit Judge vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Thomas McCarthy as Circuit Judge.

The Honorable Craig Higgins, of St. Louis, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit. 

Judge Higgins currently serves as Associate Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from Drake University. He will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable James E. Sullivan.