Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
President Approves Blunt’s Request for Federal Disaster Declaration
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today announced President George W. Bush granted his request for a major disaster declaration following the deadly ice storms that swept across the state over the past weekend. In addition to helping share the cost of recovery, the approval of Blunt's request opens the door for new federal resources for Missouri such as generators.
“I am pleased that President Bush quickly approved my request in order for federal assistance to immediately become available to help communities and local governments manage the largest mass care national disaster our state has experienced,” Blunt said. “My primary concern remains the safety of all Missourians. I encourage everyone in the affected areas to continue checking on their neighbors during this time as we work to assist those who have been impacted by these deadly ice storms.”
After declaring a state of emergency early Saturday, Blunt sent approximately 550 Missouri National Guard Troops to the Springfield and St. Louis areas in response to the storms. In addition, the governor provided extensive state resources to communities hit with the severe ice storms including access to dozens of large power generators and Meals-Ready-to-Eat.
The disaster declaration includes Barry, Barton, Callaway, Camden, Christian, Cole, Crawford, Dade, Dallas, Dent, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Hickory, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, Lincoln, Maries, McDonald, Miller, Montgomery, Newton, Osage, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Louis, Stone, Warren, Webster and Wright Counties and the City of St. Louis for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.
Blunt noted the severe winter storms caused eight deaths and knocked out power to over 330,000 Missourians. Local officials have established 89 shelters which have assisted approximately 3,000 citizens.
“The State Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have established a Joint Field Office and will begin contacting local elected officials in the declared counties to help provide new resources, such as generators, and begin the reimbursement process,” Blunt said.
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