WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) and U.S. Senator Kit Bond today announced that President Bush has signed a disaster declaration for 70 Missouri counties and the independent city of St. Louis following severe flooding in the state.  The entire Eighth Congressional District was included in the disaster declaration.

“It’s a pressing emergency situation we have, and I appreciate Governor Blunt’s and President Bush’s quick response,” Emerson said.  “The assistance program to help public and private response organizations is going into immediate effect.  That program will help get resources to state and local governments and private nonprofit organizations which need assistance dealing with the mess left in the wake of this storm.  In the coming days and weeks, we will be asking for an expansion of the declaration to cover things like debris removal, damage to structures and individual assistance.”

Emerson will tour several Southern Missouri sites affected by the flooding tomorrow.

“The President’s quick approval of a disaster declaration means help is on the way for our communities hard-hit by these floods,” said Bond. “Times like this bring out the best in us – despite the wide-spread devastation, I am proud to see Missourians helping Missourians during a challenging time.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has left the door open to additional disaster designations pending further evaluation, which would potentially make other federal emergency programs available to affected Missouri residents.  Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation assistance have been requested by Missouri Governor Matt Blunt.

Category B Public Assistance is for emergency protective measures.  Emerson and Bond both have urged the Administration to expand the designation to supply assistance for debris removal and recovery assistance for buildings, roads, equipment, and flood protection measures as soon as feasible.

Individual assistance programs are pending review by FEMA and will likely not be implemented until a thorough assessment of the damage can be made.