Acting Governor Kehoe Announces FEMA to Participate in Joint Damage Assessments for Public Assistance

JUNE 3, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Acting Governor Mike Kehoe announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) of public infrastructure in Barry, Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Howell, McDonald, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Texas counties following severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that occurred May 19 – 27.

“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been on the ground helping local officials document damage, collect cost estimates, and substantiate the need for federal assistance,” Acting Governor Kehoe said. “As I observed during our visit last week, the severe storms that hit southern Missouri have caused major damage and disrupted the lives of families and businesses across the region. Initial damage reports clearly warrant a formal review by FEMA as part of the disaster declaration process.”

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local emergency management officials. Beginning Wednesday, June 5, five teams will verify documented damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Public assistance allows 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.

These PDAs are in addition to those beginning today for Individual Assistance, which allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.

On May 30, Acting Governor Kehoe issued Executive Order 24-07, extending Missouri's State of Emergency declaration in response to severe weather that has impacted communities across the state in recent weeks. Governor Mike Parson first declared a State of Emergency on May 2, 2024, through Executive Order 24-06.

Since late April, Missouri has been repeatedly impacted by severe weather with the most recent storm system occurring over Memorial Day Weekend. On May 26, multiple rounds of severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes swept across southern Missouri, particularly the southeast region, leaving thousands without power and causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials, fellow state agencies, and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs), one-stop shops for recovery resources, will be scheduled in the coming days.

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.