Twenty-Two More Counties Designated for Public Assistance
Release Date: May 31, 2002
Release Number: 1412-26
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms and Tornadoes
Poplar Bluff, MO -- Federal disaster funds have been made available for 22 more Missouri counties to help local governments rebuild public property damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding beginning April 24 and continuing, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.
FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said the assistance was approved following a review of damage data gathered by federal and state disaster recovery officials.
"Ensuring that vital community services are restored as quickly as possible is part of our continuing commitment to help Missouri achieve a full and lasting recovery," Allbaugh said.
Affected local governments in Cedar, Crawford, Dekalb, Laclede, Lincoln, Maries, Marion, McDonald, Miller, Oregon, Osage, Ozark, Phelps, Pike, Pulaski, Ralls, Ray, Shannon, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Vernon and Wright counties are eligible to apply for federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost for debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities.
The funds were authorized under the major disaster declaration issued by President Bush on May 6 and made available through FEMA's Public Assistance program for state and local governments. Damage assessments continue in other affected counties.
Procedures for requesting the assistance will be explained at a series of applicant briefings to be conducted by state and federal disaster officials at locations to be announced shortly in the county area.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 26-Aug-2003 14:00:15