“We’re going to be working closely with the federal government, local governments, and citizens to make sure people get what they need. This recovery is just starting. We’re in it for the long haul—and we’re in it together.” Governor Eric Greitens

Governor Greitens’ statement holds true as state agencies continue to work closely with local communities and FEMA to coordinate getting relief resources to those in need. Already this week, a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opened in Van Buren (Carter County), which operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. On Saturday, June 10, two additional recovery centers will open in Arnold (Jefferson County) and Pacific (Franklin County). They will also be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Disaster Recovery Centers provide help applying for FEMA assistance, answers to assistance questions, and U.S. Small Business Administration loan application assistance. Check for locations and announcements about additional recovery center openings at recovery.mo.gov.

Also this week, Missouri Flooding Recovery Coordinator Patrick Baker led a housing recovery meeting to organize immediate and long-term housing assistance. Among the participating agencies were the State Emergency Management Agency, Department of Economic Development, Missouri Treasurer’s Office, and FEMA. The lack of in-town housing continues to be a concern. For some flooding survivors, the closest rental resources are more than 30-40 miles away from their homes.

Additionally, following the federal disaster declaration, which unlocked federal funding for those affected by the flood, 425 FEMA assistance applications have been approved. If you were affected by the flooding, be sure to apply with FEMA at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) as soon as possible.

• The National Flood Insurance Program is working urgently to process claims from policyholders who were affected by the recent flooding in Missouri. To date, the NFIP has received 1,277 claims and has closed 34 percent of those with payments totaling $19 million.
• In an effort to aid with debris removal in areas impacted by flooding, MoDOT is allowing private and for-hire motor carriers to carry up to 10 percent more than their licensed weight on Missouri highways.
• Following White House approval of Governor Greitens’ request for a federal disaster declaration, the Missouri Department of Social Services received authorization from the United States Department of Agriculture to operate a Disaster Food Stamp Program in 27 counties across the state. More details available at the DSS website.
• As flood recovery and cleanup efforts continue, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is extending its storm waiver issued last month. The waiver gives residents and communities in affected counties throughout the state additional flexibility in cleaning up damages resulting from flooding. More here.
• FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams have been going door-to-door in flood-impacted areas of the state offering mobile disaster assistance registration and answering questions about the assistance process.
• The IRS announced that taxpayers who live or have a business in the 27 counties included in the Individual Assistance disaster declaration may qualify for tax relief, including postponement of some tax deadlines. Details are available here. The Missouri Department of Revenue is also extending their deadlines to match the IRS for those impacted by flooding. More details here.
• The U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) is making low-interest federal disaster loans available to eligible private nonprofit organizations in 46 counties to help repair or replace business assets damaged or destroyed during the April 28 - May 11 disaster period. Apply online using SBA’s secure website here.
• Of the hundreds of water samples that were taken, 80 were deemed bacterially unsafe. For those affected by unsafe water, click here to see what your next steps should be.

Visit Recovery.mo.gov for more flood recovery resources. Updated daily.

United Way 211 is the go-to source for 24/7 assistance with unmet flood recovery needs. Call 2-1-1 for assistance or contact 211 online at http://211helps.org. 

Call FEMA’s hotline 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or visit at www.DisasterAssistance.gov . You have 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration to register. The quicker you register, the quicker you can get FEMA assistance. 

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