Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Readies State Resources to Manage Missouri River Flooding
Governor Assists with Sandbagging Effort
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today visited Missouri River floodplains and communities threatened by the rising Missouri River where he discussed his efforts to actively prepare state resources in anticipation of flooding and assisted with the state’s sandbagging effort.
“Floods have already had a devastating impact on many Missouri communities, wiped out crops and fields across Western Missouri and continue to push their way down river,” Blunt said. “We are working diligently to ready state emergency resources to ensure we are well prepared to assist families, communities and Missouri farmers facing threatening floods.”
Gov. Blunt is leading an aggressive campaign to identify key resources and fastest methods to deploy sandbags, pumps and other necessary equipment. The governor helped MoDOT and volunteers fill sandbags in anticipation of the river’s crest in the Capitol City. The sandbags would be used if needed to help hold back waters to keep Highway 63 open or will be made available to other areas.
Blunt declared a state of emergency, activating the state’s emergency operations center and authorizing state departments to assist however needed. The Highway Patrol, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Safety, the Missouri National Guard and the Department of Transportation are all working to assist with flooding.
A flood risk assessment team to include MoDOT, SEMA, Missouri National Guard, Department of Natural Resources, Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service has been developed to work on projection maps to determine which counties have potential trouble spots for flooding and landslides. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is also conducting aerial surveillance of bridges and waterways.
Donation and volunteer hotlines have been established to coordinate help and needs. The American Red Cross Hotline number is 1-866-Get-Info. AmeriCorps Donations and Volunteer Hotline is 888-377-2100. Missourians may also contact their local chapters of the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, or faith-based group with a disaster mission.