Blunt declares state of emergency

The declaration frees up additional state resources and agencies to assist in relief efforts.

Blunt also issued an executive order Sunday that allows Missouri National Guard troops to be deployed to the Gulf Coast as needed under his direction. About 1,400 Missouri National Guard personnel already have been mobilized.

The order also enables the state to receive reimbursement from the federal government for the troops’ time and equipment use from the federal government.

Since Hurricane Katrina hit, Blunt has signed executive orders that allow physicians from the affected areas to treat their patients at health care facilities in Missouri and that waive trip permits and fuel costs for vehicles transporting relief supplies.