Initial assessments of the 2019 flood in Missouri total $25 million in damage to the state’s infrastructure and emergency response costs. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is calling on President Donald Trump to declare 13 counties a disaster.
The joint preliminary damage assessments — conducted by the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency and local officials — determined these counties were devastated by the flood and need federal assistance. But the assessment process is not over as it does not include all the damage to farms and ranches.
“It has now been well over a month after the flooding began, and some areas still can’t be accessed,” Parson said in a news release. Interstate 29 remains closed from the Missouri-Iowa border to the U.S. Route 71 intersection north of St. Joseph. Traffic is detoured and may remain that way into the summer months.
Floodwaters from the Missouri River inundated the northwestern region of the state in early March. Persistent rains in the upper Mississippi River basin also caused flooding in the southeast.
AERIAL ASSESSMENT: Missouri Gov. Mike Parson flew over farmland and rural communities to assess the damage of the 2019 Missouri River flooding in March. Early damage estimates reach into the millions.
Parson is requesting public assistance for 13 Missouri counties, so local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies may seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement costs for damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.
The counties include Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Holt, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Platte, Ray and Ste. Genevieve.
Parson also is asking for individual assistance for five Missouri counties — Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Holt and Platte — so residents can seek federal assistance with temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles and other qualifying expenses.
The governor praised local, state and federal agencies, along with faith-based volunteers who continue to help with recovery efforts. “Our state team and all our partners are committed to ensuring Missouri families, businesses and communities rebuild,” he added.
Farmers needing help with questions surrounding the flood can visit the following websites for information:
State Emergency Management Agency for flood response and recovery information.
Missouri Department of Agriculture has links to flooding-related resources.
University of Missouri Cooperative Extension Service offers information on cleanup and safety.
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