#MoRecovery deadlines are approaching as the Show-Me State continues to assist flooding survivors

Disaster recovery is a distance race, never a sprint. The state disaster recovery team and its experienced recovery partners across the state knew that as Missouri launched the flood recovery effort. But just as marathon runners check the times of their miles from the start of the race, it’s important to track recovery progress at intervals.

June 30 is four weeks to the day since President Donald Trump approved Missouri’s federal disaster request. This week, the fast start of Missouri's statewide recovery effort is symbolized in the track and football field at West Plans High School.

On April 29, nine inches of rain pushed Howell Creek in West Plains to levels never seen before. Much of West Plains was swamped by several feet of water. There were numerous flood rescues and heavy damage around town. The athletic complex at West Plains High School, including Zizzer Stadium, was inundated with several feet of water. There was heavy damage, including to the artificial turf football field, which was damaged beyond repair; about one-third of the track was destroyed. Read more about the West Plains High School recovery story here.

Progress is taking place at West Plains High School, other schools, businesses and private homes in flood-impacted communities of Missouri. The football team likely will not be able to play their home opener on their home turf, but they may be back on familiar ground by homecoming.The finish line is in the future, but there are already some important deadlines approaching that will impact Missouri's economy.

In response to a request from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the Public Assistance application deadline from July 1 to July 14. Local governments and nonprofit agencies in 46 Missouri counties affected by historic flooding now have 13 more days to prepare their requests for federal assistance with repairs to public infrastructure and emergency response costs. Potential applicants should note that the Requests for Public Assistance must first be received by SEMA, processed, and then submitted to FEMA by the July 14 deadline. Find more here. 

Those who experienced a layoff or lapse in work due to flooding need to file for Disaster Unemployment Assistance by the July 5 deadline. Find more here. 

With a deadline of August 1, there is still time to register for individual assistance at disasterassistance.gov. For the most current list of FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, go to Recovery.mo.gov.

Please check at the bottom of this update to find a list of all upcoming #MoRecovery deadlines.

• Missouri has been approved for up to $8 million by the U.S. Department of Labor for a federal Disaster Workforce Grant (DWG), with an initial release of $2.7 million. DWG projects create temporary jobs for eligible individuals to assist with clean up, recovery and humanitarian efforts in impacted disaster areas. These grants will be administered locally by workforce development boards. Interested candidates should inquire at their local Job Center. 
• FEMA has approved more than 1,500 applications from Missouri flood survivors and awarded them more than $9.8 million in grants for home repairs, temporary housing and other needs.
• The National Flood Insurance Program has received just over 1,300 claims from Missouri policy holders. To date, more than 870 have been processed and closed, with payments totaling more than $42 million. Find more on NFIP here. 
• More than $8 million in low-interest disaster loans to individuals and business has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
• A total of 190 counties and local governments, schools, sewer districts, and nonprofit agencies have filed Requests for Public Assistance. 
• On June 29 contracts were awarded for the replacement of two bridges in Ozark County destroyed by flooding. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded contracts for a total of over $5.4 million for replacement of the bridges over the North Fork River on both Route CC and Route PP. Construction is scheduled to the start this summer.
• Missouri farmers are working to restore damaged fields to pre-flood standards. While some farmers are in recovery mode, others still have land under water. VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15_RdGyiBOo&feature=youtu.be
• The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory tested over 560 private drinking water samples for bacteria. 1. Go to the MSPHL’s website at http://health.mo.gov/lab/privatedrinkingwater.php if your water sample is reported as bacterially unsafe.  For a free well water testing kit contact your local public health agency or DHSS at 573-751-3334. The fee for testing will be reinstated July 17, 2017.
• The Department of Labor received applications from 409 claimants indicating job loss due to flooding. Those who experienced a layoff or lapse in work due to flooding need to file for Disaster Unemployment Assistance by July 5 deadline. DUA claims may be filed at uinteract.labor.mo.gov or by calling a Regional Claims Center (see below) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• July 5: Unemployed workers must file for Disaster Unemployment Assistance
• July 14: Requests for Public Assistance from governments and nonprofits must be received by FEMA, after processing by SEMA.
• August 1: Homeowners, renters and businesses must register and apply with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for federal disaster assistance or a low-interest disaster assistance loan.    

Visit Recovery.mo.gov for more flood recovery resources. The site is 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 helpline, 800-621-3362, or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov . You have 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration (Aug. 1) to register. The quicker you register, the quicker you can get FEMA assistance. 

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