Senators call for disaster declaration funding for Missouri |

(KFVS) - Missouri senators sent a letter to President Barack Obama Friday in support of Gov. Jay Nixon's request for a disaster declaration for 18 counties in the state in the wake of devastating tornadoes, hail, high winds and heavy rain.

According to the National Weather Service, the storms were responsible for twelve tornadoes across southern Missouri and part of northern Missouri, resulting in three deaths and nearly 100 injuries. The weather also caused 22,000 power outages statewide.

U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt say the granting of a disaster declaration is essential to help Missouri communities who continue to be burdened by the extreme costs they have incurred in the effort to protect life and property.

Nixon specifically requested Individual Assistance for the counties of Adair, Barry, Barton, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Cedar, Dallas, Daviess, Laclede, Linn, Madison, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, Scott, Stoddard, Stone, and Taney and Hazard Mitigation for the entire state.

The full text of the letter is:

March 9, 2012

The Honorable Barack Obama

President

The White House

Washington, DC 20005

Mr. President,

Governor Jay Nixon, on March 7, 2012, requested a major disaster declaration for the State of Missouri as a result of the severe storm system that generated tornadoes, hail, high winds and heavy rain throughout the state on February 28, 2012.  The National Weather Service has determined that these storms were responsible for twelve tornadoes and winds of up to 120 mph across southern Missouri and parts of northern Missouri.  These tornadoes caused three deaths and nearly 100 injuries, as well as power outages to over 22,000 customers. 

After joint state-federal preliminary damage assessments, the Governor has specifically requested Individual Assistance for the counties of Adair, Barry, Barton, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Cedar, Dallas, Daviess, Laclede, Linn, Madison, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, Scott, Stoddard, Stone, and Taney and Hazard Mitigation for the entire state.

In light of the serious impact of this event on lives and property in the areas that has occurred, it is our sincere hope that you will grant Governor Nixon’s request in a prompt manner, to help in the recovery of residents and communities affected by this disaster.  Along with our fellow Missourians, we eagerly await your decision on this request for assistance. 

Sincerely,

Claire McCaskill                                             Roy Blunt

                  United States Senator                                     United States Senator

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