Local governments get aid for storm damage

Federal assistance will be available to reimburse local governments for storm damage-related emergency protective services, debris removal and public infrastructure repair. Counties approved for assistance are Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Christian, Douglas, Greene, Madison, Mississippi, Ozark, Reynolds, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Wayne, Webster and Wright.

“Much of southern Missouri experienced damage to public infrastructure and public utilities totaling close to $14 million,” Blunt said in a news release. “This assistance will help our counties, communities and businesses recover from these devastating disasters without causing undue hardships on local budgets.”

The State Emergency Management Agency is working to schedule briefings with public officials next week. Governments and nonprofit organizations in each county will attend to sign the federal paperwork needed for reimbursement.