Friday, September 29, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Seeks Assistance for Citizens with Storm Damage
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today asked President Bush to approve a Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance as a result of the September 22-23, 2006 severe weather, tornadoes and flooding, which impacted the southeastern third of Missouri.
“I am requesting a federal declaration for Individual Assistance to help our citizens recover from the recent severe weather, tornadoes, and flooding. While I realize this assistance will not replace treasured possessions and homes, I am hopeful it can be helpful as Missourians begin rebuilding their lives,” Blunt said.
Blunt based his request on information gathered from five State/Federal/Local Damage Assessment teams. The teams identified over 600 homes and over 75 businesses that had storm related damages. The 12 counties the governor is requesting assistance for in his letter to the president are: Butler, Crawford, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, New Madrid, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley and St Francois.
Currently, SEMA, state agencies, and the Governor’s Disaster Recovery Partnership are working with volunteer and faith-based disaster response organizations on affordable housing options for displaced citizens, and long-term recovery issues in several of the hardest hit counties.
If the president approves Blunt’s request, Individual Assistance would provide disaster grants or low-interest loans to families, individuals and businesses to help recover uninsured personal property and business losses.
The governor's request for the federal declaration was submitted today to President Bush through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region VII Office in Kansas City.
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