Disaster Assistance Expanded to Include Infrastructure Damages 

Release Date: May 14, 2003
Release Number: 1463-16

» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding

Springfield, MO -- Federal disaster assistance has been expanded to include certain costs for repairing or replacing disaster-damaged infrastructure and public facilities in nine Missouri counties, officials announced today.

The designation helps governmental entities, public utilities and certain non-profit organizations pay for eligible costs resulting from damages caused by severe storms and tornadoes since May 4.

The counties in which the expanded assistance is available are: Barton, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Cedar, Dallas, Jasper, Jefferson, Lawrence, and Polk.

When President Bush authorized federal disaster assistance on May 6, these counties were eligible for help in recouping only certain costs associated with debris removal and emergency protective measures. Now these jurisdictions can get help to repair eligible disaster damages to public roads, bridges, buildings and utilities. The federal government reimburses 75 percent of certain associated costs.

"We're pleased we can offer this expanded assistance in these nine counties," said Michael Karl, FEMA's federal coordinating officer for the recovery efforts. "It's our intention that this assistance will help get public facilities back in working order as soon as possible."

Jerry Uhlmann, Missouri state coordinating officer for the disaster, said the assistance will help ease the financial burden for many jurisdictions throughout the damaged areas.

"With budgets being as tight as they are these days, this additional assistance will help a lot of communities get back on their feet sooner," Uhlmann said.

Eligible private, nonprofit institutions include educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care and those facilities providing essential service of a governmental nature. Volunteer fire departments, nonprofit utilities, water districts, community centers, museums, zoos, and libraries may also be eligible.

To assist public jurisdictions in applying for funding, state and federal officials are conducting informational briefings for interested applicants. Damage assessments are continuing and additional counties may be designated at a later date.

Last Modified: Thursday, 15-May-2003 10:28:15