
Governor Kehoe Requests Federal Disaster Declaration in Response to Devastating May 16 Severe Storms and Tornadoes
MAY 26, 2025
Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe has requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County and six southeast Missouri counties – Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne – in response to the severe storms and tornadoes that devastated these areas on May 16, claiming seven lives and causing widespread destruction of homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
“Just as our first responders, citizens, and faith-based and volunteer organizations have responded with great dispatch and compassion, our state and local emergency management teams have quickly assessed and documented the overwhelming destruction of the May 16 severe storms. It is abundantly clear that Missouri families need rapid federal assistance to rebuild homes and lives, and to continue moving forward,” Governor Kehoe said. “We are requesting federal assistance to quickly get needed funds flowing to individuals and families as we prepare to document the need for federal assistance to remove debris and repair damaged infrastructure in the days ahead.”
Based on the documented damage obtained by joint federal, state and local teams on May 21 and 22, Governor Kehoe yesterday sent a letter requesting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance for Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, St. Louis, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne counties and the independent City of St. Louis related to the destruction caused by the severe storm systems that produced tornadoes, straight-line winds, large hail, heavy rains, flooding, and flash flooding in the state on May 16.
FEMA Individual Assistance would allow eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.
As part of the state’s continuing support to the City of St. Louis, on May 24, Governor Kehoe announced that the Missouri National Guard will activate and deploy up to 41 members of the 35th Engineer Brigade to the affected area of St. Louis to support the key mission of debris removal and sorting in support of St. Louis City’s recovery timeline. The city’s request to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for the Guard’s debris removal support was received on the evening of May 23. Service members are scheduled to be on site starting on Wednesday, May 28. Since May 20, a Missouri National Guard Liaison Officer (LNO) has been assisting the City of St. Louis with evaluating and advising local officials on potential appropriate missions.
SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.
State’s Pursuit of Federal Public Assistance Continues to Move Forward
Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) teams are scheduled to review and document damage to public infrastructure damage, and emergency response and debris removal costs in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County and Scott County beginning on May 28, in anticipation of the Governor seeking federal Public Assistance for those jurisdictions. 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 of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.
Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19 in preparation for severe weather. The State of Emergency declaration in Executive Order 25-19 was subsequently extended by Executive Order 25-22 and Executive Order 25-23.
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Governor Kehoe Announces Activation of the Missouri National Guard to Support Tornado Recovery Operations in St. Louis
MAY 24, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the Missouri National Guard will activate and deploy up to 41 engineering personnel to the affected area of St. Louis to support the key mission of debris removal and sorting to support tornado recovery operations.
Members of the 35th Engineer Brigade are preparing to execute missions next week in support of the City’s recovery timeline. Service members are scheduled to be on site starting on Wednesday, May 28.
"Through this deployment, the State of Missouri is further assisting the City of St. Louis in recovery efforts following the devastating May 16 storms," Governor Kehoe said. "We are thankful for the efforts of the men and women of the Missouri National Guard in this mission. Recovery will take time, but our state agencies remain committed to partnering with local officials to assist affected residents and businesses."
Since Tuesday, May 20, a Missouri National Guard Liaison Officer (LNO) has been assisting the City of St. Louis with evaluating and advising local officials on potential appropriate missions. This deployment follows the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) receiving a request for the debris removal assistance from the City of St. Louis last night. Debris removal is a key element following a large scale disaster as it allows other aspects of the recovery to proceed.
The Engineer Task Force will provide a Liaison Officer as a part of the County Emergency Operations Center team, and an Emergency Debris Clearance & Emergency Route Construction Package. Engineer Teams on ground will support residential debris collection sites in St. Louis City, along with assistance in sorting, loading, transporting, and removal of debris from collection sites to the landfill. The operations currently plan for four sites, with additional details of exact locations still being finalized between the city officials and emergency managers.
Missouri National Guard Engineer support is in partnership with St. Louis Parks, Recreation and Forestry and other city entities for operating fenced residential debris collection sites in St. Louis City-affected storm areas. The four city owned sites will each have one of the medium clearance teams to augment on-site city-managed operations. Daily operations of the four sites will occur from 8:00am -7:00pm seven days per week.
National Guard support is currently planned for a two-week operating period commencing on May 28 through June 11, at which time support operations will transition to City- or SEMA-sourced long-term support solution.
Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19 in preparation for severe weather. The State of Emergency declaration in Executive Order 25-19 was subsequently extended by Executive Order 25-22 and Executive Order 25-23.
SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.
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FEMA to Participate in Joint Assessments of Damage to Public Infrastructure and Debris Removal Costs for St. Louis City and St. Louis and Scott Counties
MAY 23, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has agreed to participate in joint assessments of damage to public buildings and infrastructure as well as the cost of debris removal in St. Louis City and St. Louis and Scott counties as a result of the May 16 severe storms and tornadoes.
“The joint preliminary damage assessment (PDA) teams that reviewed the damage to homes and personal property this week worked extremely efficiently to document the destruction that we are confident will lead to a federal Major Disaster Declaration to assist individuals and families,” Governor Kehoe said. “Now, we will be jointly cataloguing the same type of evidence to support a potential request to FEMA for necessary funding to rebuild and restore the infrastructure our citizens rely on.”
Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local officials in each community. Beginning Wednesday, May 28, six teams will survey and verify damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested from FEMA. Public Assistance to local governments and qualifying nonprofits helps with the cost of debris removal; the repair of damaged roads, public buildings and other public infrastructure; and the reimbursement of emergency response costs.
SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
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President Trump Approves Governor Kehoe's Requests for Major Disaster Declaration to Assist Missourians Impacted by March 14-15 and March 30-April 8 Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
MAY 23, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that President Donald J. Trump has approved two of Missouri's requests for a major disaster declaration in response to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that impacted the state from March 14-15 and March 30-April 8.
The additional request for April 29 storms is still under review, and the process to request a major disaster declaration for May 16 storms is still underway.
“This is important and very welcome news for the Missouri families and communities hit hard by the devastating storms and tornadoes that began in March and have affected so much of our state,” Governor Kehoe said. “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) will be working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to move the federal assistance process forward, which will provide millions of dollars in much needed recovery support for individuals, families, and local jurisdictions. We appreciate the work of our federal congressional delegation in advocating for these requests and future assistance for Missourians.”
Individual Assistance:
The President's action makes Individual Assistance available to eligible residents in 18 counties impacted by the March 14-15 storms, including: Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Wayne, Webster, and Wright counties.
Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance with temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.
Individuals who sustained damage or losses due to the March 14-15 severe weather may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s toll-free application line at 1-800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. They can also download the FEMA app to apply. Affected individuals are encouraged to document losses, photograph damage, and retain receipts. The faster Missourians register with FEMA, the faster they may be able to receive assistance.
The deadline for most Individual Assistance programs is 60 days following the President’s major disaster declaration. Disaster assistance to eligible individuals generally falls into the following categories:
- Housing Assistance may be available for up to 18 months for displaced persons whose residences were heavily damaged or destroyed. Funding also can be provided for housing repairs and replacement of damaged items to make homes habitable.
- Disaster Grants are available to help meet other serious disaster related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance and other aid programs. These may include replacement of personal property, and transportation, medical, dental, and funeral expenses.
- Low-Interest Disaster Loans are available after a disaster for homeowners and renters from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover uninsured property losses. Loans may be available for repair or replacement of homes, automobiles, clothing, or other damaged personal property. SBA loans are also available to businesses for property loss and economic injury. Businesses can visit sba.gov or call 1-800-569-2955.
- Other Disaster Aid Programs include crisis counseling, disaster-related unemployment assistance, legal aid and assistance with income tax, Social Security, and veterans’ benefits.
Public Assistance:
The President's action also makes the FEMA Public Assistance program available to local governments and qualifying nonprofits for the repair of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure as well as reimbursement of emergency response costs.
For the March 14-15 storms, public assistance is available in the following 20 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Callaway, Carter, Dunklin, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Wayne.
The Governor’s April 2 request for March 14-15 storms included more than $26.9 million in qualifying expenses already identified.
For the March 30-April 8 storms, public assistance is available in the following 25 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Vernon, Wayne, and Webster.
The Governor’s April 30 request for March 30-April 8 storms included more than $25.5 million in qualifying expenses already identified.
For more information on the federal disaster declaration process, visit this link.
For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, please visit recovery.mo.gov.
SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
The following outlines the current status of Governor Kehoe's additional federal assistance requests:
April 29 Storms
Status: Awaiting Federal Disaster Declaration approval
Details: On May 19, Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to six counties that sustained major damage as a result of a cluster of severe storms that swept through the area and produced eight tornadoes on April 29.
May 16 Storms
Status: Awaiting Federal Emergency Declaration approval
Preliminary Damage Assessments for Individual Assistance have now been completed in the St. Louis region, and are ongoing in counties in southeast Missouri. The State anticipates requesting Preliminary Damage Assessments of damage to roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure in St. Louis City and Scott County in the near future in preparation for a request by the Governor for a federal Major Disaster Declaration for these areas.
Details: On May 19, Governor Kehoe made these requests to expedite federal assistance to Missouri following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state on May 16, causing seven deaths and widespread damage in the St. Louis region and areas of southeast Missouri.
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Governor Kehoe Signs HB 495 into Law
MARCH 26, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, during a bill signing ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill (HB) 495 into law. Governor Kehoe was joined by the sponsors of the bill, Representative Brad Christ, and Senators Nick Schroer and Travis Fitzwater.
Also in attendance for the signing was Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James, Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Michael Turner, and leaders from statewide law enforcement associations, including the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, Missouri State Troopers Association, Missouri Police Chiefs Association, the Missouri Sheriffs Association, and the Ethical Society of Police.
"We thank the Missouri General Assembly and the bill sponsors for prioritizing public safety and getting this legislation to my desk so quickly this session," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "In addition to establishing a citizen board to oversee the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, HB 495 benefits law enforcement across our state with tools they need to crack down on crime and illegal immigration."
Developed in close collaboration with law enforcement partners and representatives across all levels of law enforcement in the state, Governor Kehoe's Safer Missouri initiative includes HB 495, budget priorities, and the executive orders signed on day one of the Kehoe Administration.
Governor Kehoe will hold a ceremonial bill signing of HB 495 tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at the Saint Louis Police Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 68 (3710 Hampton Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63109.)
For more information on HB 495, click here.
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Governor Kehoe Signs Executive Order 25-24 Allowing Missourians Affected by Tornadoes and Severe Storms to Continue Receiving Prescribed Medications
MAY 20, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-24 to further assist affected individuals whose prescriptions were lost or destroyed, whose records are not available, or whose original prescribing physician is unavailable, to be able to continue to receive prescribed medications.
"To ensure the health and safety of those impacted by these recent devastating storms, we must ensure that Missourians are able to continue receiving prescribed medications in a timely manner," Governor Kehoe said. "This executive order grants the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the State Board of Pharmacy discretionary authority to temporarily waive or suspend rules and regulations which will allow medical professionals to better assist those affected by storms. We thank the medical professionals across our state who are playing a critical role in helping Missouri communities recover."
Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19 in preparation for severe weather. The State of Emergency declaration in Executive Order 25-19 was subsequently extended by Executive Order 25-22 and Executive Order 25-23.
Executive Order 25-24 will expire on June 30, 2025, unless otherwise terminated or extended. To view the Order, please click here.
Additional May 16 Severe Storm Response Updates:
Yesterday, Governor Mike Kehoe also requested President Trump issue a federal Emergency Declaration to expedite FEMA assistance and requested that FEMA participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessmentsfor City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and 6 Southeast Missouri Counties.
A federal Emergency Declaration provides federal resources to support state response operations to protect lives, safeguard public health and provide for public safety. It does not delay or affect the process of pursuing a federal Major Disaster Declaration, which would provide Individual Assistance to help homeowners and renters, and Public Assistance, which would reimburse local governments for emergency response costs, debris removal, and repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure. Individual Assistance and Public Assistance require joint preliminary damage assessments by teams made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local emergency management officials, extensive documentation, and a federal review process that can take weeks to complete.
Beginning Wednesday, May 21, six teams will survey and verify documented damage in Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, St. Louis, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne counties and the City of St. Louis to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses. Initial damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing, potentially resulting in a request for PDAs for Public Assistance in the future.
Yesterday, Governor Kehoe also directed the Missouri National Guard provide a Liaison Officer (LNO) to assist the City of St. Louis with evaluating and advising local officials on potential appropriate missions for the Guard. This LNO reported to the St. Louis Emergency Operations Center this morning.
The State of Missouri will continue to provide resources and personnel to St. Louis based on resource requests from the city and identified missions to meet the city’s needs. The Missouri National Guard maintains coordination with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to respond if critical capability gaps occur in the local agencies’ response efforts.
State assistance so far has included the Missouri State Highway Patrol assisting with law enforcement, search and rescue efforts and traffic control; an 84-person Type 1 Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team from Missouri Task Force 1 assisting with highly technical search and rescue efforts; SEMA sending regional coordinators and specialized personnel to assist with mass care, feeding and housing, donations management, and volunteer management. SEMA has also sent tarps and other supplies to assist with immediate needs.
SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.
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Governor Kehoe Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Washington Counties for Destructive April 29 Severe Storms
MAY 19, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to six counties that sustained major damage as a result of a cluster of severe storms that swept through the area and produced eight tornadoes on April 29. The counties are Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Washington.
“This season’s weather pattern has brought one destructive severe storm after another to Missouri, and the April 29 storms led to widespread damage in six counties – damage that is simply beyond their capabilities and those of the state to sustain without federal assistance,” Governor Kehoe said. “Missourians are rallying to rebuild and support one another and will continue to do so as we now respond to the latest deadly and highly destructive storms that swept across the state on Friday, May 16.”
Governor Kehoe is requesting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance based on documented damage and emergency response costs that exceed $16.5 million in Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Washington counties alone. Those cost estimates were gathered during joint damage assessments conducted by FEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local officials and include damage to a public elementary school, a Missouri Department of Transportation facility, essential utility distribution lines, roads and other public infrastructure as well as debris removal.
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 of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.
Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.
As of May 19, there have now been four major storms in the state of Missouri. The following outlines the current status of Governor Kehoe's federal assistance requests:
March 14-15 Storms
Status: Awaiting Federal Disaster Declaration approval
Details: On April 2, Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in a total of 28 counties in response to the severe storms and tornadoes that devastated Missouri March 14-15, claiming 13 lives and causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
March 30 – April 8 Storms
Status: Awaiting Federal Disaster Declaration approval
Details: On May 1, Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in a total of 26 counties in response to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that caused widespread destruction across the state, resulting in six confirmed deaths.
April 29 Storms
Status: Awaiting Federal Disaster Declaration approval
Details: On May 19, Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to six counties that sustained major damage as a result of a cluster of severe storms that swept through the area and produced eight tornadoes on April 29.
May 16 Storms
Status: FEMA to participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments
Sent request for federal Emergency Declaration to authorize Direct Federal Assistance and up to $5 million in immediate funding to the state
Details: On May 19, Governor Kehoe took two actions to expedite federal assistance to Missouri following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state on May 16, causing seven deaths and widespread damage in the St. Louis region and areas of southeast Missouri
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Governor Kehoe Provides Update on May 16 Severe Storms and Tornadoes
MAY 19, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe provided an update on the recovery efforts following the devastating severe storms and tornadoes that struck on May 16, leaving widespread destruction in St. Louis and the southeast Missouri region. Governor Kehoe and state officials spent Saturday with local officials in St. Louis surveying some of the hardest-hit areas. All levels of government are fully engaged, and recovery efforts continue across the region.
Ahead of the storm, Governor Kehoe extended the Missouri State of Emergency declaration, which has allowed first responders, road crews, and emergency management officials to move quickly. The Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan remains in effect.
- Damage Assessments and Local Support: State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) regional coordinators continue working swiftly with local emergency managers to make initial damage assessments in preparation for a federal major disaster declaration request. SEMA staff are coordinating resource requests from local emergency managers for needed supplies, materials, and support services with sheltering, debris clearance, damage assessments, and other needs. For more information on the federal disaster declaration process, visit this link.
- White House Coordination and Federal Support: Governor Kehoe has been in direct contact with President Donald Trump, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acting Administrator David Richardson, and Missouri's Congressional delegation on the situation and discussed state efforts and federal assistance.
Today, Governor Mike Kehoe also took two actions to expedite federal assistance to Missouri following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state on May 16, causing seven deaths and widespread damage in the St. Louis region and areas of southeast Missouri:
- Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump issue a federal Emergency Declaration for the State of Missouri in response to the May 16 tornadoes and severe storms, which, if approved, would authorize Direct Federal Assistance (DFA) and up to $5 million in immediate funding to the state to support emergency protective measures and debris removal.
- The Governor also requested that FEMA participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) of damage to homes and personal property in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County along with Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne counties in southeast Missouri, in preparation for a request by the Governor for a federal Major Disaster Declaration for these areas.
“Friday’s severe storms and tornadoes caused devastation in the St. Louis region and areas of southeast Missouri, took the lives of seven people, resulted in thousands of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure being damaged or destroyed, and left tens of thousands without power,” Governor Kehoe said. “Local first responders, officials, businesses, and volunteer groups are working around the clock to recover, but the task before us is tremendously large and recovery will not be easy. A federal Emergency Declaration will provide an immediate infusion of needed funds while the joint preliminary damage assessments will allow the normal federal Major Disaster Declaration process to move forward. We appreciate President Trump, Secretary Noem, FEMA Acting Administrator Richardson, and Trump Administration officials for their quick communication and responsiveness to the situation."
A federal Emergency Declaration provides federal resources to support state response operations to protect lives, safeguard public health and provide for public safety. It does not delay or affect the process of pursuing a federal Major Disaster Declaration, which would provide Individual Assistance to help homeowners and renters, and Public Assistance, which would reimburse local governments for emergency response costs, debris removal, and repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure. Individual Assistance and Public Assistance require joint preliminary damage assessments by teams made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local emergency management officials, extensive documentation, and a federal review process that can take weeks to complete.
Beginning Wednesday, May 21, six teams will survey and verify documented damage in Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, St. Louis, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne counties and the City of St. Louis to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses. Initial damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing, potentially resulting in a request for PDAs for Public Assistance in the future.
SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.
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Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Promoted to Major General
MAY 16, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, during a ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Charles D. Hausman was promoted to the rank of Major General.
"This promotion is a testament to Major General Hausman's remarkable leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our state and nation," said Governor Kehoe. "In the months since General Hausman assumed command, he has led Missouri’s soldiers and airmen at home and abroad through both day-to-day trainings and missions to their vital assistance with multiple rounds of winter storms and flooding across the state. On behalf of all Missourians, congratulations to General Hausman and the Hausman family on this well-deserved promotion."
Governor Kehoe selected Major General Hausman as the next Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard on January 8, 2025, and he took command on February 1. With over 36 years of service in the Missouri National Guard, the General has an extensive military career with a high level of expertise in operational leadership, military strategy, and interagency coordination.
"It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted with this responsibility," General Hausman said. "Leading the exceptional soldiers and airmen of the Missouri National Guard as we carry out our mission of serving the people of Missouri and this great nation is the honor of a lifetime."
General Hausman enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1988, joined the Missouri National Guard in 1989, and transferred to Aviation in 1993. He has commanded at every level from company to brigade and held key staff positions such as Executive Officer of the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, Deputy Director of Manpower and Personnel of Joint Force Headquarters, Deputy Commander of 70th Troop Command, and Director of Aviation and Safety of Joint Force Headquarters.
In addition to his assignments within the United States and Missouri, General Hausman has had several assignments abroad including in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.
A seasoned aviation officer and combat veteran, he has earned multiple military awards including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with bronze oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with Numeral Two, and the Master Army Aviator Badge. He is qualified in the TH-67, UH-1 Huey, AH-1 Cobra, AH-64D Apache, and is qualified as an instructor pilot in the OH-58A/C and AH-64A Apache.
The General received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology from the University of Central Missouri in 1991 and a Master of Science degree in Aviation Safety from the University of Central Missouri in 1993. He completed a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies through the United States Naval War College in 2015.
General Hausman is a native of Saint Joseph, Missouri, and currently resides in Jefferson City with his wife, Julie, and has two adult children, Alex and Libby.
Pictures of the promotion ceremony will be available on Governor Kehoe's Flickr page.
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Governor Kehoe Announces Memorial Services Honoring Former U.S. Senator and Governor Christopher S. “Kit” Bond
MAY 13, 2025
Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe announced today the memorial services honoring former U.S. Senator and Governor Christopher S. “Kit” Bond.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose life’s work was dedicated to serving Missouri, Kit Bond died on May 13, 2025, in St. Louis at 86 years old. To view Governor Kehoe's statement, click here. An official obituary for Governor Bond is attached.
Governor Kehoe also signed a proclamation ordering U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at all government buildings statewide beginning today until sunset on May 22, 2025. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.
On Tuesday, May 20, a State Memorial Service honoring the life and legacy of Governor Kit Bond will be held in the Rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol at noon. The public is invited to attend.
Governor Bond will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda for a 24-hour period immediately following the State Memorial Service, allowing members of the public to pay their respects.
On Thursday, May 22, a celebration of Kit’s life will be held at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church. All who knew and loved Kit are welcome to attend.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
State Memorial Service
When: 12:00 p.m.
Where: Missouri State Capitol Rotunda
Media: Open (designated media area available)
*A mult box will be provided
*The service will be livestreamed on Governor Kehoe's Facebook Page
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Celebration of Life
When: 1:00 p.m.
Where: Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church, 9450 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63124
Media: Closed
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