JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe on Monday requested President Donald Trump issue a federal emergency declaration following last week’s tornadoes and severe storms that hit southeast Missouri and the St. Louis region.

According to a statement from the governor’s office, Kehoe has been in contact with President Trump, Homeland Secretary Secretary Kristi Noem, Federal Emergency Management Agency Acting Administrator David Richardson, and Missouri’s Congressional delegation to discuss recovery efforts at both the state and federal level.

If the president approves an emergency declaration, the state would receive up to $5 million in immediate funding for debris removal and other emergency protective measures. An emergency declaration also opens the door for Direct Federal Assistance.

On Wednesday, six damage assessment teams will survey and verify documented damage in St. Louis City and County, as well as Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne counties. This will determine if individuals can request assistance through FEMA. If approved, individual assistance would allow residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.

The governor’s office says damage assessments for infrastructure are ongoing, and could result in a request for public assistance through FEMA. This would allows local governments and nonprofits to seek federal reimbursement for emergency response and recovery costs. For governments, this includes repairs for roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

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