Governor Matt Blunt (R-MO) is asking President Bush to approve a Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance for 18 Missouri counties as a result of the severe winter weather that hit southern regions of the state between February 10th and 14th.

The weather caused two storm-related traffic fatalities and more than 50 traffic injuries. It also led to the opening of shelters and warming centers in counties impacted by power outages.

Assessment teams identified more than $13.8 million in damages to public infrastructure in those 18 counties. If the request is approved, Public Assistance will reimburse jurisdictions for their eligible emergency protective actions, repairs, or replacement of damaged infrastructure and debris clearance.

The 18 counties are: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Christian, Douglas, Greene, Madison, Mississippi, Ozark, Reynolds, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Wayne, Webster, and Wright Counties.