Governor seeks disaster declaration for Texas County, others

Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday sought a disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency following storms in Texas County and 14 other southwest Missouri counties.

Storms with the tornados caused damage in the region. In Texas County, storm structural damage was reported in the Bendavis and Huggins area.

If granted, individual assistance to those affected by the storm would become available. Funds also could be granted to fix roads and bridges damaged by heavy rain and flooding received May 19-27. Another round of heavy rain also was experienced June 8-9 in Texas County.

“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local partners have been working tirelessly and in close coordination with FEMA to document damage in the areas impacted by these storms,” Parson said. “Today, we are requesting a federal disaster declaration to further support the affected communities and their recovery efforts. We are confident federal assistance will be forthcoming and greatly appreciate the critical work already being done by local response agencies and many volunteer partners to help Missourians in need.”

Joint damage assessments conducted by FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and local officials estimate more than $20 million in emergency response costs and damage to public infrastructure.

Based on the assessments, Parson is requesting Public Assistance for the following counties: Barry, Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Howell, McDonald, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Texas.

If approved, Public Assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.

Parson is also requesting Individual Assistance in the following 10 counties: Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Texas. Of 543 homes assessed in these counties, 171 sustained major damage and 20 were destroyed.

Individual Assistance would allow eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.

Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov .

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