More Missouri Counties Designated For Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: May 16, 2003
Release Number: 1463-19

» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding

Springfield, MO -- Disaster assistance has been made available for 18 more Missouri counties to help residents and local governments recover from the effects of recent tornadoes, severe storms and flooding in Missouri, state and federal disaster recovery officials announced today.

The 18 additional counties now eligible for individual assistance are: Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Chariton, Clark, Cole, Howard, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Marion, Moniteau, Montgomery, Osage, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, and Shelby.

For Howard and Lewis counties, federal assistance also has been designated to help local governments and certain non-profit organizations with the eligible costs of debris removal and emergency protective measures. In Clay County, federal disaster assistance has been expanded to include certain costs for repairing or replacing disaster-damaged infrastructure and public facilities.

"The 18 counties added to the disaster declaration means we're now able to provide assistance in 68 Missouri counties." said Mike Karl, federal coordinating officer for the Missouri recovery effort. "We're working hand-in-hand with the State of Missouri to make sure that those affected by the devastating tornadoes, storms and flooding can get the assistance they need so that they can begin the difficult task of rebuilding their homes and lives."

The counties were added to the list of eligible jurisdictions based on a review of damage data gathered by state and federal disaster recovery officials.

"This disaster affected thousands of Missourians across the state," said Jerry Uhlmann, state coordinating officer for disaster recovery. "Adding counties to the disaster declaration simply means more eligible residents and communities can get help they need to recover from the violent storms we've seen this spring."

The counties previously designated as disaster areas are: Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Bollinger, Buchanan, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Franklin, Greene, Henry, Hickory, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, McDonald, Miller, Morgan, Newton, Perry, Pettis, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Ray, Saline, Scott, Stoddard, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis, Stone, Taney, Vernon, Washington and Webster.

Disaster-affected residents and business owners in these counties are eligible to apply for a range of state and federal disaster assistance programs under the major disaster declaration issued by President Bush on May 6.

The aid can include Individuals and Households Program grants for housing assistance and other needs, disaster unemployment assistance, and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Affected residents and business owners may apply for assistance immediately by calling the toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. When needed, multilingual operators are available.

Callers are advised to have the following information available to help speed up the application process:

Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Residents should contact their insurance agent first. Then they should call FEMA to apply. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other forms of help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call.

Last Modified: Monday, 19-May-2003 14:55:08