Bush approves federal assistance for storm-damaged areas

President Bush granted Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt’s request for a major disaster declaration after the storms left more than 250,000 Missourians without power. Blunt declared a state of emergency and sent more than 275 Missouri National Guard Troops to the St. Louis area.

“Clean-up from the fatal storms is still under way, as communities and local governments struggle with the rising cost of debris removal and emergency response,” Blunt said in a news release. “I am pleased … that communities and the state will have access to federal aid to help cover some of the costs.”

The disaster declaration includes Boone, Cole, Iron, Reynolds, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis and Washington counties, as well as the city of St. Louis. Eligible counties have access to federal funding on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and repair or replacement of damaged facilities.