Obama Signs Disaster Declaration That Includes St. Louis County
Several other Missouri counties affected by a recent tornado, storms and flooding also are on the list.
A house on Josephine Court in the Rose Acres subdivision of Maryland Heights was demolished by a tornado on Good Friday. A woman working at the site said her brother-in-law's family was not harmed, because they were in the basement. Firefighters had to rescue the family because debris blocked their exit.
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Storm victims in St. Louis County will have access to federal funding as a result of a disaster declaration President Barack Obama signed Tuesday.
The declaration of a major disaster follows the Good Friday tornados and recent flooding, a White House news release states. Relief in the form of grants to assist with repairs and temporary housing, loans to cover the loss of uninsured property and other programs will also benefit residents of Butler, Mississippi, New Madrid and Taney counties.
It's possible that other counties will be added to the list when the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) finishes its damage surveys, the release states.
The state of Missouri and local governments that are eligible also will have access to federal funds, as will some nonprofits "on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding in St. Louis County," the release states.
Residents and business owners interested in applying for federal aid may do so beginning Wednesday by registering online or by calling 1-800-621-3362. Those with hearing and speech impairments may call 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers will be staffed from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time daily for the time being.
Elizabeth Turner has been named the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in Missouri.
Mac Scott, spokesman for St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, could not immediately be reached for comment.
More information about the funds is available from a news release posted by FEMA.
How will federal assistance help St. Louis County residents recover from the Good Friday tornado?
