April 4th, 2025 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has formally requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance for 28 counties in response to the devastating storms and tornadoes that struck the state on March 14-15. The severe weather resulted in 13 fatalities and caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
Governor Kehoe emphasized the extensive coordination efforts undertaken by state and local agencies to assess the damage and prepare for federal assistance.
“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local partners have been working in close coordination with FEMA to document damage in the areas impacted by these storms,” Kehoe said. “Today, we are requesting a federal disaster declaration to support the affected communities and their recovery efforts. We are confident federal assistance will be forthcoming and greatly appreciate the critical work already being done by local response agencies and many volunteer partners to help Missourians in need.”
The request includes FEMA Individual Assistance for 25 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Dunklin, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Laclede, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Stoddard, Wayne, Webster, and Wright.
If approved, Individual Assistance would provide eligible residents with federal aid for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property, vehicles, and other essential needs.
Additionally, Governor Kehoe is requesting FEMA Public Assistance for 20 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Callaway, Carter, Dunklin, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Wayne.
Public Assistance funding would help local governments and qualifying nonprofit organizations recover costs related to emergency response efforts, road and bridge repairs, and the restoration of damaged public infrastructure.
According to joint damage assessments conducted by FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local officials, the storms resulted in an estimated $26.9 million in emergency response costs and infrastructure damage.
In the aftermath of the storms, Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) have played a key role in providing aid to affected individuals. Between March 25 and April 1, MARCs were set up in Rolla, Hartville, West Plains, Van Buren, Poplar Bluff, Doniphan, Piedmont, Perryville, Florissant, and Arnold, assisting 2,873 individuals from 1,171 households.
Due to the potential for severe weather, a previously scheduled MARC in Pacific at Eagles Hall (707 W. Congress St.) has been rescheduled to Wednesday, April 9, from 1-7 p.m.
Missourians impacted by the storms are encouraged to stay informed about recovery resources and assistance programs as they await a federal response to the governor’s request.
