Missouri has secured federal disaster declarations for the severe storms and tornadoes that pummeled the state on April 29 and May 16, paving the way for federal assistance to reach struggling Missourians, as announced by Governor Mike Kehoe. Governor Kehoe expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are grateful for President Trump acting quickly to get vitally needed federal assistance to the thousands of Missourians hit hard by the violent severe weather that struck our state and who are now struggling to rebuild their lives and homes." He encouraged affected residents to apply for aid promptly to hasten the receipt of assistance, as reported by the Governora's Office.
For those caught in the crosshairs of the May 16 storm, Individual Assistance is now accessible and includes aid for temporary housing, repairs, and replacement of destroyed belongings among other expenses; those eligible in the City of St. Louis, and St. Louis and Scott counties are urged to register with FEMA as soon as possible to qualify for aid, applicants can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by phone at 1-800-621-3362, or via the FEMA app, documenting losses, taking photographs of damages, and retaining purchase receipts should bolster their chance at aid. The deadline to apply for most programs is 60 days following the major disaster declaration, and potential assistance ranges from housing support to disaster grants, low-interest loans from the SBA, and additional aid programs for varied needs.
Moreover, Public Assistance is available for the repair and restoration of public infrastructure like roads and bridges and to cover the expenses of emergency response and debris removal, pertinent for the April 29 storms this aid extends to Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, and Washington counties, Governor Kehoe's request on May 19 tallied over $16.5 million in such expenses already assessed jointly with FEMA, whereas for the May 16 incidents, preliminary assessments point to upwards of $57.9 million in Public Assistance required, alongside at least $18.7 million for Individual Assistance needs.
