Monday, April 24, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Commends Recovery Efforts During Visit to Storm Shattered Area
CARUTHERSVILLE–Gov. Matt Blunt today returned to Pemiscot County where families and communities are continuing recovery efforts following recent fatal storms. He credited local, state and federal cooperation for securing temporary housing to assist those families working to repair what has been destroyed.
“Missourians impacted by recent storms are picking up the pieces and rebuilding their lives, demonstrating the unbreakable spirit that characterizes our state,” Blunt said. “Cooperative efforts across all levels of government ensured quick relief and helped secure temporary housing for those left homeless. I commend first responders, non profit agencies and concerned citizens who have joined together to help those left devastated by the storms.”
Blunt watched as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today delivered 19 trailers/mobile homes to Pemiscot County. The temporary housing will give families time to rebuild or find permanent homes. FEMA had already set 14 travel trailers/mobile homes in the county and is expected to deliver approximately 300 units total to the area. The governor talked with a family who will live in the temporary housing as they work to rebuild their lives.
Blunt also visited the Caruthersville Disaster Relief Center. The center is one of five centers that remain open in the state. The centers offer those affected by recent storms a central facility for information and details about state and federal disaster relief programs.
Following the storms Blunt activated the State Emergency Management Agency, signed executive orders to facilitate relief and recovery efforts, extended Missouri’s tax deadlines for individuals and businesses in affected counties, and worked with the Federal government to ensure Missourians had access to available assistance.
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