Kehoe requests federal disaster declaration for March 14-15 storms, tornadoes

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – On Wednesday, Gov. Mike Kehoe requested President Donald J. Trump approve a major disaster declaration for 28 Missouri counties devastated by storms and tornadoes that struck on March 14-15.

Those powerful storms claimed the lives of 13 people and caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure across Missouri.

“We are confident federal assistance will be forthcoming and greatly appreciate the critical work already being done by local response agencies and many volunteer partners to help Missourians in need,” Kehoe said.

The governor said the State Emergency Management Agency and local partners are working with FEMA to document the damage. Early estimates put the cost of the storms at $26.9 million in emergency response costs and damage to public infrastructure.

Based on confirmed damage, Kehoe has requested FEMA Individual Assistance for 25 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Dunklin, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Laclede, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Stoddard, Wayne, Webster, and Wright.

According to a statement from Gov. Kehoe’s Office, “Individual Assistance would allow eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.”

The governor also requested FEMA Public Assistance for the following 20 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Callaway, Carter, Dunklin, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Wayne.

If approved, “Public Assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged 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.