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FOR PRESS INQUIRIES, CONTACT:  Amy Susan (573) 751-1518
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 23, 2011

Federal Disaster Assistance Extended to Ten Missouri Counties Hard Hit by Severe Storms and Flooding
Governor Nixon had requested FEMA include additional counties in disaster declaration; federal government will reimburse eligible individuals for uninsured disaster damage

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended disaster assistance to individuals and households in eight additional Missouri counties that have been hit by severe storms and flooding since April 19. These additional counties are: Cape Girardeau, Howell, Jasper, McDonald, Newton, Pulaski, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard and Stone. Under this declaration, individuals can be eligible for federal assistance to cover uninsured losses or expenses, such as temporary housing, home repair and replacement of household items.

On May 9, President Barack Obama granted a request by Gov. Nixon for a major disaster declaration for areas across Missouri hit in April and May by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. That declaration provided individual assistance for Butler, Mississippi, New Madrid, St. Louis and Taney counties, as well as public assistance for reconstruction and rebuilding in St. Louis County.  The public assistance designation for St. Louis County will allow local governments there to seek assistance for response and recovery expenses associated with the severe storms and tornadoes in April.

"This additional assistance for Missouri families will help expedite our recovery and rebuilding," Gov. Nixonsaid.  "State and local agencies are coordinating closely with the federal government to ensure that every possible tool and resource is available to help Missourians affected by these storms get moving again.  I appreciate President Obama's quick designation of these additional counties, and we will continue to communicate with his administration about additional designations as we complete the damage-assessment process."

Working with local and federal partners, the State Emergency Management Agency continues to conduct damage assessments for public assistance.

On April 25, Gov. Nixon declared a state of emergency in response to tornadoes that moved through the state on Good Friday.  In response to historic flooding in southern and southeastern Missouri, the Governor activated more than 750 members of the National Guard to provide assistance where needed, and some 150 Highway Patrol troopers were assigned to help with flooding response as well.

Gov. Nixon personally visited the affected areas on numerous occasions to survey damage and meet with emergency personnel, and he deployed senior members of his administration for a series of five Community Response Meetings to provide personal assistance, help and information to Missourians.

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information or referrals are urged to call 211.  The 211 service number is now available for most areas in Missouri.  In areas where the 211 number is not operational, citizens can call 800-427-4626.  Weather and emergency information also are available on the state of Missouri's website, MO.gov.

For questions about individual assistance, Missourians can contact FEMA directly at 800-621-3362.

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