The 26th District, like many other areas across the state, was faced with flooding from late April through early May when storms and heavy rainfall triggered flash flooding. The storms dropped more than 11 inches of rain on the area. Waterways began to overflow, putting homes and businesses and citizens in danger. There are citizens who returned to their homes to find massive damage and are now faced with the need to repair, replace or rebuild.
Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Missouri to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding, severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from April 28 to May 11. Affected residents of both Franklin and St. Louis counties are eligible for federal relief.
In early May, before flood waters receded, the governor requested federal assistance for 51 affected counties, the assistance has been approved for residents in 46 counties across the state.
Assistance for those who qualify include grants for temporary housing, home repairs and low-cost loans for uninsured property losses. Other programs include:
- Grants for home repairs and replacement of household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.
- Grants to replace personal property and help meet dental, funeral, medical, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.
- Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully covered by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses.
- Loans up to $500,000 for farmers and ranchers to cover production and property losses, not including a primary residence.
- Other relief programs, such as crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing losses and more.
Individuals and business owners who suffered losses during the recent flooding can apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.
A Missouri-based small business and disaster relief program may also be beneficial. The Harmed-area Emergency Loan Priority system (HELP) authorizes 24-hour approval of support for low-interest loans obtained through participating lenders. HELP is administered through the Missouri Linked Deposit Program.
Thank you for reading this weekly column. Please contact my office at (573) 751-3678 if you have any questions.