Saturday, December 30, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt's Request Secures Federal Disaster Declaration
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today announced President George Bush granted his request for a major disaster declaration following the deadly winter storms that left more than a quarter of a million Missourians without power and that dumped a trail of snow, rain and ice crippling communities across the state.
“Clean-up from the fatal storms is still underway as communities and local governments struggle with the rising cost of debris removal and emergency response,” said Blunt, who visited personally with residents who were left without power following the storm. “I am pleased the President granted my request for a major disaster declaration and that communities and the state will have access to federal aid to help cover some of the surmounting costs.”
After declaring a state of emergency, Blunt sent more than 275 Missouri National Guard Troops to the St. Louis area in response to the storms. In addition, the governor offered extensive state assistance to communities hit with the severe winter weather including access to state facilities and power generators.
The disaster declaration includes Boone, Cole, Greene, Iron, Reynolds, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis, and Washington Counties, and the City of St. Louis. Eligible counties, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations will have access to federal funding on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms that occurred November 30 to December 2.
###