Gov. Mike Kehoe has requested a federal emergency declaration in response to last Friday’s tornadoes in the St. Louis and southeast Missouri regions.
The governor made the request to President Donald Trump for an EF-3 twister that tore apart the St. Louis region and EF-3 and EF-1 tornadoes that ripped through the Scott County area. If approved, Kehoe’s office said the declaration would authorize direct federal aid and up to $5 million in immediate funding for public safety, public health, and debris removal.
In a news release, Kehoe said the severe weather caused widespread destruction – killing seven people and damaging or destroying thousands of homes, businesses, and other property.
“Local first responders, officials, businesses, and volunteer groups are working around the clock to recover, but the task before us is tremendously large and recovery will not be easy,” said Kehoe.
According to Kehoe’s office, a federal emergency declaration does not delay or affect the process of pursuing a federal major disaster declaration. It would provide help to homeowners and renters, as well as reimbursements to local governments for emergency response costs. The costs could cover things like debris removal, and repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.
Federal aid to homeowners, renters, and local governments require joint preliminary damage assessments by federal, state, and local agencies.
According to Kehoe’s office, beginning Wednesday, six teams will survey and verify documented damage in Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, St. Louis, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne counties and the City of St. Louis to determine if assistance for homeowners and renters can be requested for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other expenses.
Initial damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing.
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