Monday, June 25, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Requests Joint Assessment for June Flood Damage
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today requested three joint federal and state assessment teams to collect infrastructure damage information in ten Southwest Missouri counties impacted by the June flooding.
"I have requested these assessment teams to meet with local and county officials to help determine economic losses in the affected area and to detail the true impact the flooding had on public property," Blunt said.
May brought severe flooding to Northwest Missouri and along the Missouri river. Heavy rains in early June caused flash flooding in Southwest Missouri. These ten counties were also hit hard last winter during the January ice storm. The teams will assess the extent of public damages including roadways, bridges and utilities and use the information collected to assist the governor in determining if the affected area qualifies for federal assistance.
The teams will meet with officials to assess Barton, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Polk and Webster Counties.
Local officials, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) officials comprise the teams that will work with local authorities to visit damaged areas.