Friday, February 2, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
USDA Approves Blunt’s Request for Assistance for Farm Families Affected by Ice Storms
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today announced that U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has approved his request to declare 29 Missouri counties natural disaster areas for agricultural losses due to the recent ice storms.
“The ice storms left a trail of destruction and significant losses across the state for many Missourians including our farm families,” said Blunt. “I am pleased Secretary Johanns responded quickly to my request to ensure Missouri farmers have access to all available resources to help them recover. This declaration will provide welcome support to our agricultural community.”
The declaration includes: Barry, Barton, Camden, Christian, Cole, Crawford, Dade, Dallas, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Hickory, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, Maries, McDonald, Miller, Moniteau, Newton, Osage, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, St. Clair, Stone, Warren, Webster and Wright Counties. Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency physical loss loans will be available to farm families in affected communities.
In addition 20 counties were named contiguous disaster areas, and eligible family farmers may qualify for FSA emergency physical loss loan assistance: Bates, Benton, Boone, Callaway, Cedar, Cooper, Dent, Douglas, Henry, Iron, Jefferson, Lincoln, Montgomery, Morgan, St. Charles, St. Louis, Taney, Texas, Vernon and Washington.
Today’s announcement affects Missouri farm families only. Joint Assessment Teams are completing reviews in the 34 counties under a presidential emergency declaration to determine which might qualify for individual assistance. Reviews are expected to be completed this week. Based on those reviews, early next week the governor will request additional assistance for those areas the teams determine might qualify.
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