Billy Long asks for flood relief for southwest Missouri

Seventh District Congressman Billy Long has asked for assistance for local communities hit by this week's flooding:

Flooding in the Seventh District prompted U.S. Representative Billy Long to request help from federal agencies for individuals and small businesses.


“The Small Business Administration (SBA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are here to make sure families and businesses get the help they need to rebuild. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is aware of the situation and we have asked Governor Nixon to reach out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to get help where it is needed.”

Per the Stafford Act only the Governor of a State or U.S. Territory can request a major Federal disaster declaration. Based on the governor’s request, the President may declare that a major disaster or emergency exists, thus activating FEMA and other Federal programs to assist in the response and recovery effort.

Congressman Long’s Office is also in direct contact with the Army Corps of Engineers. The flooding was compounded when the Corps released the rising waters from Table Rock Lake this week after heavy rains threatened the dam’s integrity. The National Weather Service forecasts a possibility of more rain this weekend.

Long added, “We can’t stop Mother Nature but we sure can let our friends and families know that they can count on us to be there when she strikes.”