Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt's Federal Disaster Declarations for Flood Victims Approved by President
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today announced President George W. Bush approved his request for disaster declarations as a result of the May flooding along the Missouri River.
"I appreciate President Bush's prompt response to my request for federal assistance," Blunt said. "This declaration is good news for local governments as it will help ease the burden and accelerate the recovery efforts for Missouri families and small business owners."
Blunt said the President approved a Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance for the following 17 counties: Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Clay, Davies, DeKalb, Gentry, Holt, Jackson, Lafayette, Livingston, Morgan, Nodaway, Osage, and Platte.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will establish an 800 telephone number for Missourians and businesses to apply for assistance. The Individual Assistance Disaster program will provide disaster grants or low-interest loans to families, Missourians and businesses to help recover uninsured personal property and business losses.
Blunt said President Bush approved a Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance for the following 19 counties: Andrew, Atchison, Bates, Carroll, Cass, Chariton, Daviess, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Howard, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Platte, Ray, Saline and Worth. As damage information continues to become available, he will request additional counties.
The State Emergency Management Agency will notify local officials about meetings designed to explain the public assistance process and help officials begin repairing flood damaged infrastructure.
The presidential declaration for public assistance means federal and state assistance will be available to help local governments in the 19 counties identified recover costs for debris removal operations and emergency protective measures. Blunt's request identified over $29 million in damages to our roads, bridges and infrastructure.