President Declares Major Disaster For Missouri Tornadoes
Release Date: May 6, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-108
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Washington, D.C. -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has declared a major disaster for Missouri, opening the way for the use of federal disaster funds to help meet the recovery needs of families and businesses devastated by last Sunday's swarm of deadly tornadoes.
Michael D. Brown, FEMA director and undersecretary for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, made the announcement in Missouri following a tour of the damaged Pierce City area. The declaration covers damage to private property from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began May 4.
"President Bush understands what these storms did to Missouri and that's why he made federal disaster assistance available so quickly," Brown said. "FEMA will be there to do whatever it takes to help get all those in need back on the road to recovery."
Following the declaration, Brown designated the following 39 counties eligible for aid to stricken residents and business owners: Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Camden, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Henry, Hickory, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, McDonald, Miller, Morgan, Newton, Pettis, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Ray, Saline, St. Clair, Stone, Taney, Vernon and Webster.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
In addition, Brown said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments to pay 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the disaster in the counties of Barton, Camden, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clay, Dallas, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Lawrence, Platte and Polk. The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Brown indicated that more counties and additional forms of assistance for the state and local government agencies may be designated later based on the results of further damage assessments. He named Michael L. Karl of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
Karl said those who sustained losses in the counties designated for aid to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting Wednesday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Jun-2003 11:40:04