Thursday, June 7, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Seeks Assistance for Missouri Farm Families Affected by May Flood
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns requesting he declare 29 Missouri counties natural disaster areas for agricultural losses due to the recent floods. The governor's request followed a review of the damage assessment reports.
"Many Missouri farmers have suffered extraordinary losses due to excessive rain and flood damage," Blunt wrote in the letter. "In addition to crop loss a substantial number of structures such as levees, ditches and terraces were damaged. Silt and sand deposits and a tremendous amount of debris were left as water receded. Many crops can not be re-planted until levees and cropland damage is repaired. Flooding will continue to remain a threat until all levees can be repaired and secured."
Based on a review of the damage assessment reports the governor requested Andrew, Atchison, Boone, Buchanan, Caldwell, Callaway, Carroll, Cass, Chariton, Clay, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Harrison, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Lafayette, Livingston, Moniteau, Nodaway, Osage, Platte, Ray, Saline, and Worth Counties be declared natural disaster areas.
A federal disaster declaration will ensure the farm families impacted by the flood are eligible for federal assistance to help with income loss associated with severe weather.
Letter to Secretary Johanns