FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, September 5, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573) 751-0290
Blunt Declares State of Emergency to Provide Further Assistance to Katrina Victims
JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Matt Blunt today issued a declaration of emergency in Missouri, an action that will free up additional state resources and agencies to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
The emergency declaration by Blunt was included in one of two Executive Orders he signed last night extending Missouri’s commitment to providing assistance to people in the storm-ravaged Gulf Coast.
Blunt’s second Executive Order empowers the head of the Missouri National Guard, Adjutant General King Sidwell, to continue deploying troops to the Gulf Coast as needed under Blunt’s direction. The Executive Order will help maintain an appropriate rotation of troops and enables the state to seek reimbursement for their time and equipment use from the federal government.
"Missourians are answering calls for help from their fellow Americans with energy and enthusiasm," Blunt said. "The Executive Orders I have signed today will enable the state to continue its aggressive response to aid the victims of this terrible natural disaster."
Blunt has mobilized 1,400 National Guard personnel to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. He has also signed an Executive Order waiving trip permits for registration and fuel for vehicles transporting relief supplies to the Gulf Coast and another that will allow physicians from Louisiana and Mississippi to treat their patients from those states at health care facilities in Missouri. Last week he directed the Missouri attorney general to investigate possible instances of price gouging at gas stations throughout the state.
Missourians interested in providing assistance can contact the State Emergency Management Association (SEMA) by phone at (888) 526-6664 or online at katrinarelief.mo.gov
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