Two Weeks Later: $3.6 Million Approved
Release Date: May 20, 2003
Release Number: 1463-27
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Springfield, MO -- More than $3.6 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for Missourians affected by the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding that began May 4, disaster officials announced today.
"Recovering from a major disaster is never easy," said Mike Karl, federal coordinating officer for the recovery effort. "But we're pleased that so many Missourians are using the federal, state and local resources available to them. Our assistance programs are designed to help people as they begin the challenge of rebuilding their homes and lives."
On May 6, President Bush declared a major disaster for 39 Missouri counties, opening the way for federal disaster assistance for people and businesses devastated by the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding that began on May 4. Eleven counties were added to the disaster declaration on May 9 and 18 more on May 16, making a total of 68 counties statewide eligible for disaster assistance.
Jerry Uhlmann, state coordinating officer, said his staff is working closely with their partners at the federal and local levels. "If there's any good news amid all the devastation, it's that we're working together to get our people and communities back on their feet," Uhlmann said.
Recovery services summary at close of business Monday, May 19, 2003:
- Of the more than $3.6 million approved for more than 1,100 Missourians affected by the disaster, $1.69 million is for Housing Assistance to repair emergency disaster damages not covered by insurance or to rent temporary housing. Another $1.96 million has been approved for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. This may include medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, moving and storage expenses.
- 4,401 individuals in disaster-declared Missouri counties have called the toll free number (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or the TTY number 800-462-7585. Applications are taken by phone seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 1,698 home inspections have been completed.
- 2,614 applications have been issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to homeowners and 747 applications to businesses. The SBA has approved $992,400 in low-interest loans to Missourians.
- $180,000 in expedited Immediate Needs Funding from FEMA's Public Assistance Program has been approved for the cities of Battlefield, Carl Junction, Pierce City and Stockton.
- FEMA has mission-assigned AmeriCorps teams to help in the debris removal effort.
- Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in Battlefield, Camdenton, Carl Junction, Jackson, Mt. Vernon, Pierce City, Stockton, and Kansas City. On Wednesday, May 21, Recovery Centers will open in Bolivar, Canton and Desoto. Those affected by the disaster are encouraged to visit a recovery center to talk face-to-face with a recovery specialist and to check on the status of their applications. To find out the address of the center nearest you, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
The following is a list of Missouri counties currently designated as federal disaster areas, along with the number of applications for disaster assistance received to date per county:
| Disaster Counties | Total Applications Received | Disaster Counties | Total Applications Received | Disaster Counties | Total Applications Received |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audrain | 0 | Franklin | 76 | Perry | 0 |
| Barry | 24 | Greene | 156 | Pettis | 5 |
| Barton | 44 | Henry | 1 | Pike | 4 |
| Bates | 0 | Hickory | 1 | Platte | 112 |
| Benton | 1 | Howard | 9 | Polk | 101 |
| Bollinger | 2 | Jackson | 48 | Pulaski | 29 |
| Boone | 14 | Jasper | 460 | Ralls | 0 |
| Buchanan | 0 | Jefferson | 1,200 | Randolph | 0 |
| Callaway | 1 | Johnson | 3 | Ray | 0 |
| Camden | 119 | Knox | 1 | Saline | 10 |
| Cape Girardeau | 139 | Laclede | 0 | Scott | 18 |
| Cass | 16 | Lafayette | 2 | Shelby | 0 |
| Cedar | 511 | Lawrence | 505 | Ste. Genevieve | 2 |
| Chariton | 0 | Lewis | 66 | St. Clair | 0 |
| Christian | 42 | Lincoln | 0 | St. Francois | 11 |
| Clark | 0 | Marion | 6 | St. Louis | 15 |
| Clay | 440 | McDonald | 4 | Stoddard | 1 |
| Clinton | 0 | Miller | 4 | Stone | 1 |
| Cole | 12 | Moniteau | 2 | Taney | 0 |
| Cooper | 0 | Montgomery | 0 | Vernon | 23 |
| Dade | 0 | Morgan | 1 | Washington | 85 |
| Dallas | 68 | Newton | 3 | Webster | 0 |
| Douglas | 0 | Osage | 3 | TOTAL | 4,401 |
Last Modified: Wednesday, 21-May-2003 11:09:00