WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today asked President Obama to consider a federal disaster declaration for 38 Missouri counties, including many in the Eighth Congressional District, with all due haste.

“The storms that took seven lives in our region have left a lot of destruction in their wake.  Southern Missouri has been hit particularly hard by severe weather this year, and we need to be sure state and local budgets for disaster response aren’t depleted,” Emerson said.  “Fortunately, we have resilient communities with strong leadership which have been swift and sure in their response to this latest disaster. I am looking forward to a timely response from the White House and the Federal Emergency Management Agency so we have the federal support warranted by these extreme circumstances.”

The text of Emerson’s letter to the president follows:


Dear President Obama:

I am writing in support of Governor Nixon’s request for a major disaster declaration for Missouri counties as a result of the severe storms and flooding in Southern Missouri from May 8th to May 16th.   

As you are aware, Southern Missouri has already this year experienced devastating ice storms which have taken our communities months to rebuild.  Recovery efforts from other major disasters in the last two years continue in many Eighth Congressional District communities as well.  The recent storms brought damaging winds, hail, tornadoes and flash-flooding which present another challenge our citizens and local and state governments are forced to meet this year.  It has been termed “an island hurricane.”  Power was lost for many communities and winds and storm waters have again caused considerable damage to citizens’ homes and our communities’ infrastructure.  Seven lives were lost as a direct result of the most recent storms.  Preliminary assessments indicate that the damage from the May storms will again be beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments – especially as our local governments are struggling to balance budgets during the economic downturn.  Federal assistance is necessary in order to bridge the gap to recovery. 

Thank you again for your timely consideration of Governor Nixon’s request.