Bush Issues Emergency Declaration For Tornado-Ravaged Missouri Counties

The federal government is coming to the aid of regions of the state that were damaged in Sunday’s tornadoes. President Bush has issued a federal disaster declaration for the damaged areas. Senators Christopher Bond and Jim Talent say this is welcome news to people living in those parts of the state. In all, 39 counties will be eligible for federal assistance. That includes up to $10,000 immediately for families and individuals suffering damage or injury because of the storms. Fourteen of the counties will be eligible for other assistance, including debris removal, repair of government buildings, and additional technical assistance related to recovery. Governor Bob Holden made the request after viewing some of the tornado damage first hand.