Friday, July 13, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Requests Joint Assessment on Third Round of Flooding
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today requested joint federal and state damage assessment teams to collect information associated with damages to private homes, businesses, and public infrastructure in 12 Western Missouri counties impacted by the late June early July flooding.
"Missourians have had to cope with the devastating impact of major flooding during the most recent round of continued heavy rain to hit Missouri. I have requested these assessment teams to meet with local officials to help determine the personal, economic, and infrastructure losses in the affected area," Blunt said.
June brought devastating flooding to the southwest and western parts of Missouri and repetitive heavy rains caused flash flooding throughout the area. Some of these counties had already been impacted by the early June flooding, the May flooding, and the January ice storm. The teams will assess the extent of damages to primary residences, businesses, and public roadways, bridges, and utilities. This information will be used to assist the governor in determining if the affected jurisdictions qualify for Federal assistance.
The teams will meet with officials and Missourians to assess damages in Bates, Barton, Cass, Cedar, Clay, Dade, Douglas, Jasper, Polk, St. Clair, Vernon, and Webster Counties.
Local officials, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) officials comprise the teams that will work with local authorities to visit damaged areas.