FEMA denies MO request for disaster declaration

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Gov. Jay Nixon's request to make a federal major disaster declaration for 18 Missouri counties, including Cedar, Dallas, Polk, Stone and Taney.

Following a Feb. 29 executive order declaring a state of emergency, Nixon asked the federal government for assistance for counties affected by tornadoes, hail, high winds and heavy rain Feb. 28-29, causing three Missouri deaths, several injuries and severe damage. The executive order effectively activated the State Emergency Management Plan, allowing state agencies to assist local jurisdictions with emergency response efforts.

“A major disaster declaration would have made additional assistance available to Missourians as they recover and move forward from this round of severe weather,” Nixon said in a news release. “I went to southern Missouri and saw the serious property damage to homes and businesses, and the places where Missourians lost their lives.

"While this decision is disappointing, we’ll continue at the state level to provide the critical resources, assets and personnel that are necessary to help these affected communities recover and rebuild.”

The request also included Adair, Barry, Barton, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Daviess, Laclede, Linn, Madison, Phelps, Pulaski, Scott and Stoddard counties.

According to the FEMA Web site, a disaster declaration would allow the federal government to provide such direct services as emergency teams, equipment and commodities.
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