Missouri Governor Blunt Secures Federal Assistance in Response to Ice Storms

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December 12, 2007 -- JEFFERSON CITY– Missouri Governor Matt Blunt today announced President Bush granted his request for federal assistance following this week’s severe winter weather that has crippled communities across the state.

“I appreciate the President’s quick approval of my request for federal assistance,” Blunt said. “We are only just beginning to pick up the pieces from the ice storms and this direct federal assistance will add to our ongoing efforts to assist Missourians with the recovery.”

Gov. Blunt spoke this afternoon with Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff to advocate for the federal assistance.

The governor activated 160 Missouri National Guard members to assist Missourians in Barton County and Northwest Missouri. State Agencies are providing requested state resources to local government for their emergency protective actions for their citizens.

Missouri’s Statewide Volunteer Coordinator is working with the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Missouri Organizations Active in Disaster and AmeriCorps on sheltering, feeding and volunteer coordination for special needs populations and chain saw volunteers.

The president’s approval of the governor’s request for assistance will bring federal resources to help save lives, protect property and safeguard public health and safety. Gov. Blunt has also taken action to ensure state resources are readied and responsive to local requests.

Gov. Matt Blunt also announced today nine joint federal, state and local damage assessment teams will canvass Missouri counties beginning tomorrow. The teams will be collecting information on the recent storm damage to public infrastructure, public utilities, emergency services and debris removal issues from the winter storms. The information collected will be used to support Missouri’s request for all categories of federal public assistance which will reimburse communities for their winter storm response and recovery actions for their incurred expenses.

The joint damage assessment teams are comprised of local officials, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) representatives.

Source: Missouri Governor