Missouri – Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) of the public infrastructure spanning 25 counties in Missouri in reaction to the catastrophic storms and flooding that began March 30. This joint initiative seeks to handle the significant damage that continuous severe weather has inflicted on the region.
Governor Kehoe expressed gratitude to state and municipal public works teams for their tireless work in restoring highways and carrying out first repairs on essential facilities including bridges and low water crossings. The governor admitted, despite these initiatives, that federal disaster help was required because of the great magnitude of the devastation.
“Our state and local public works crews have been doing an incredible job reopening roads and making initial repairs to bridges, low water crossings and other infrastructure, but it is clear that the extent of the damage across the state will require federal disaster assistance,” Kehoe said in a release.
The counties targeted for the combined PDAs include Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, and many more; possible additions will follow when local officials’ damage reports arrive. Beginning Tuesday, April 22, six teams made up of local emergency management officials, SEMA, and FEMA will carry out these evaluations. Their aim is to confirm recorded losses to establish eligibility for Public Assistance, which helps local governments and qualifying charities recover expenses connected to disaster responses and infrastructure restorations.
Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Vernon, Wayne, and Webster counties. Additional counties may be added as damage information is received from local officials.
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Individual Assistance aids eligible residents with federal support for temporary housing, repairs, and replacements of damaged personal property.
Governor Kehoe also contacted the United States Department of Agriculture in a more general campaign to assist the agriculture industry. Emphasizing the far-reaching influence of the disasters on all aspects of life in Missouri, he asked the Missouri Farm Service Agency’s assistance in evaluating agricultural losses.
Governor Kehoe issued Executive Order 25-22, extending multiple prior orders to guarantee ongoing state help for the impacted communities until May 14, 2025, amid continuing recovery efforts. SEMA is actively working with several agencies and volunteer groups to help with recovery and clean-up activities.
Noting that financial help provides flexibility to rapidly address pressing needs, Governor Kehoe encouraged individuals who can to give to recovery efforts through monetary donations to recognized disaster relief groups. For those considering donating supplies, he recommended checking for specific high-need items.
Missourians with outstanding problems are reminded to call United Way at 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 for assistance. The state’s recovery website offers more information and tools on disaster recovery, including general clean-up, housing help, and mental health services. This broad and systematic strategy emphasizes Missouri’s dedication to a complete and continuous recovery process.
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