FEMA, SEMA to assess public infrastructure storm damage in Jasper, Newton counties

(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will participate with local officials in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) of public infrastructure in 29 counties following a stretch of severe storms that have heavily impacted several regions of the state beginning June 4.

“For the last two weeks, local emergency management teams across Missouri have responded to dangerous flash flooding, several tornadoes, and intense straight-line winds resulting in serious destruction to their communities,” Governor Kehoe said. “Upon initial assessment, our local partners and SEMA believe the emergency response costs and damage to roads, bridges, and other important public infrastructure meet the levels required for a federal disaster declaration for FEMA Public Assistance and warrant a formal review by FEMA.”

Joint PDAs have been requested for the following counties: Adair, Andrew, Callaway, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Dade, Gasconade, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Jasper, Knox, Lewis, Macon, Marion, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Newton, Nodaway, Polk, Putman, Scott, Shelby, Sullivan, Vernon, Webster andWorth. Additional counties may be added as damage continues to be documented by local officials.

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA and local emergency management officials. Beginning Tuesday, June 23, five teams will verify documented damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Public Assistance allows local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure. Both state and county thresholds would need to be met in order for a county to be included in the request.

On May 22, Governor Kehoe requested FEMA approve a major disaster declarationfor April 23-28 severe weather that impacted a total of 12 Missouri counties. That request is still pending approval from FEMA.

Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1. If you have experienced storm-related damage to a residence, vehicle or property, contact your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.