WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) this morning sent a letter to President Bush asking for his consideration in declaring Perry County a federal disaster area following deadly tornadoes that ripped through the state, killing ten.  The letter echoes Missouri Governor Matt Blunt’s request that the White House do the same.

 

“A terrible natural disaster has struck in our congressional district, and there is a huge clean up and recovery ahead of us.  It is obvious in the days after the tornadoes that we are going to need federal assistance to help residents deal with the aftermath of these storms.  I hope the president can quickly provide this assistance to people who sorely need it,” Emerson said.

 

A copy of Emerson’s letter is attached below:

 

Dear Mr. President:

 

I am writing in support of Missouri Governor Matt Blunt’s request for a disaster
declaration for Perry County.  Perry County was struck by an F-3 class tornado on Saturday, March 11, the base of which was nearly one quarter mile wide.  The tornado was on the ground for over ten miles, leaving a path of destruction which spans two states.  Although numerous counties were impacted, Perry County is the only county within Missouri’s 8th Congressional District that was severely damaged.  Governor Matt Blunt declared a state-level disaster on Monday, March 13.  Governor Blunt has also submitted a letter to you asking that Perry County be granted assistance under the Individuals and Households Program. 

 

The state of Missouri has been ravaged by storms.  Ten people were killed and dozens
hospitalized during the latest storm system that hit Missouri.  Perry County residents Michael and Barbara Schaeffer were killed when their pickup truck was blown off of U.S. 61 and into a propane tank.

 

Mr. President, thank you for your consideration of this disaster declaration.  The people
of Perry County whose lives were turned upside down by this storm need immediate assistance to recover from this terrible disaster.

 

                                                              Sincerely,     

                                                             JO ANN EMERSON
                                                             Member of Congress

 

cc: Honorable Matt Blunt, Governor
cc: Peter Kinder, Lieutenant Governor
cc: Dick Hainje, Director, FEMA Region VII
cc: Ron Reynolds, Director, SEMA
cc: Doyle Childers, Director, MDNR
cc: Jason Crowell, State Senator
cc: Steve Tilley, State Representative
cc: Thomas Sutterer, Presiding Commissioner, Perry County
cc: Pat Naeger, County Commissioner, Perry County
cc: Ken McClure, Chief of Staff to Governor Blunt