Parson Requesting Disaster Declaration

(Jefferson City, MO) Missouri Governor Mike Parson is asking officials with the U.S. Small Business Administration to issue a disaster declaration in response to the April 5th severe storms and tornado that caused extensive damage in Bollinger County to make low interest loans  available. Representatives from the SBA, State Emergency Management Agency, and local emergency management officials conducted joint damage assessments on April 11 and 12 to determine the extent and type of disaster assistance necessary to assist with recovery efforts. The damage survey indicates that at least 37 homes and nine businesses in Bollinger County sustained major damage. If the Governor's declaration request is approved, qualifying homeowners, renters, businesses, and not for profits in Bollinger County as well as bordering counties, including Cape Girardeau, Perry, Madison, Wayne, and Stoddard, could seek SBA low interest disaster loans to help with rebuilding and recovery costs. To assist survivors with unmet needs, SEMA's Emergency Human Services team coordinated a Multi Agency Resource Center, or MARC, with volunteer partners, faith based organizations, and other state and local agencies.