Thursday, April 19, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Announces $500,000 for Caruthersville Storm Recovery
Total State Assistance Now Totals $902,000CARUTHERSVILLE– Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt today announced $500,000 to help the City of Caruthersville make needed infrastructure repairs in response to a violent tornado that swept through the area last year destroying half of the Southeast Missouri community.
This brings the total state assistance to Caruthersville to $902,000.
"The people of Caruthersville have persevered through some extremely difficult moments and on behalf of their fellow Missourians I am pleased to announce this assistance to help with the recovery, rebuilding and healing processes," Blunt said. "Missourians have been tested many times in recent years by tornadoes, drought and violent winter storms. We can all take pride in the spirit that has prevailed over tragedy and the neighbor-to-neighbor assistance that has helped our communities pull through."
The $500,000 Blunt announced comes from the state's Community Block Development Program administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED). The City of Caruthersville will use the funds to make street and drainage repairs.
In addition to the assistance from the Community Block Development Program, Caruthersville has also received a $300,000 emergency grant to assist with demolition and clean up and a $102,000 emergency grant to pay for a full time disaster recovery coordinator.