Governor Jay Nixon says he is “extremely disappointed” that the state’s request for an extension of a deadline for debris removal from Joplin has been denied.

     His office learned early Wednesday evening that Joplin’s inclusion in the federal Expedited Debris Removal Program would be allowed to expire August 7th.  Under the program, the federal government covers 90 percent of the cost to get debris out of a given zone.

     Spokesman Scott Holste says based on what the administration heard from several agencies not long after the May 22 tornado it was thought unlikely that deadline could be met.  Nixon had asked to have the program extended to the end of the month.

     Holste says the Governor’s office will explore what other options there might be to relieve the cost of debris removal in Joplin.  A further announcement is anticipated Thursday.

     The Governor announced on Monday that the State of Missouri will pay the full 10 percent of the state/local share of the costs under the Expedited Debris Removal Program.

     See the release from the Governor’s Office here.