U.S.  Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) announced that the president has declared portions of Missouri, including counties in the 9^th District, as federal disaster areas. The decision by the president makes these communities impacted by flooding and severe weather eligible for federal disaster assistance.

“There are thousands of people living and working along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers that run through the 9^th District and it is essential that they have the support needed to protect their lives, their families, their businesses and their property,” Luetkemeyer said. “Missourians have a spirit about them that helps them overcome even the greatest hardships and this disaster declaration will help them do that.”   

The federal disaster declaration makes the following counties in Missouri eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program: Andrew, Atchison, Boone, Buchanan, Callaway, Carroll, Chariton, Clark, Clay, Cole, Cooper, Franklin, Gasconade, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Lafayette, Lewis, Moniteau, Montgomery, Osage, Platte, Ray, Saline, St. Charles, St. Louis, and Warren Counties and the independent City of St. Louis. As a result of this declaration, FEMA will provide assistance to eligible jurisdictions for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged publicly owned facilities. 

Earlier this week Luetkemeyer and other members of Missouri’s congressional delegation sent a letter to the president asking him to approve Missouri Gov. Nixon’s request for emergency assistance for those counties affected by flooding.

Text of the letter sent to the president on June 30, 2011-

Dear Mr. President:

We write to you in support of Governor Jay Nixon’s request for an emergency disaster declaration for the State of Missouri as a result of unprecedented flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi river systems. 

As you know, this flooding is the result of water releases from the various Missouri River reservoirs due to record snow melt and excessive rain over both major river systems beginning in early June of this year.  The affected areas include Andrew, Atchison, Boone, Buchanan, Callaway, Carroll, Chariton, Clark, Clay, Cole, Cooper, Franklin, Gasconade, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Lafayette, Lewis, Moniteau, Montgomery, Osage, Platte, Ray, Saline, St. Charles, St. Louis, and Warren Counties and the independent City of St. Louis.  Some communities in these areas have also been evacuated or are in the process of evacuating.

There are approximately 110 reported road closures due to flooding.  The State Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the delivery of seven sandbagging machines, over one million sandbags, two-hundred tons of sand, and twenty-four pumps to assist local governments protect critical infrastructure.  Governor Nixon has also declared a State of Emergency for the entire state, activated the Missouri National Guard, and continues to coordinate mitigation and response efforts with numerous state and local personnel, volunteers, and non-profit organizations.

As you review Governor Nixon’s request, please consider that Missouri is still fully engaged in recovery operations associated with the flooding and tornado damages that resulted in a federal disaster declaration.  Due to multiple disasters and the scope of existing and expected damage, we truly believe federal assistance is needed to help our great state recover.

Again, we write in strong support of Governor Nixon’s request for assistance and appreciate your consideration.  Please feel free to contact us directly should you have any questions or require additional information. 

Sincerely,

Representative Todd Akin MO-2 

Representative Russ Carnahan MO-3 

Representative Vicky Hartzler MO-4    

Representative Emanuel Cleaver MO-5

Representative Sam Graves MO-6

Representative Billy Long MO-7

Representative Jo Ann Emerson MO-8

Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer MO-9

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