SEMA Director Explains Federal Disaster Assistance Process
JEFFERSON CITY, May 23, 2007-Gov. Matt Blunt said state and federal officials are working rapidly to compile flood damage information
regarding uninsured primary residences and businesses in 18 counties
in their efforts to ask for Federal Disaster Declaration for Individual
Assistance for Missourians and businesses.
Assessments were conducted last week and a consolidated report will be given to Gov. Blunt tomorrow.
“Missourians can be assured that every avenue for assistance is being explored to relieve flood damage loss,” said Ron Reynolds Director of SEMA “We are gathering information as quickly as possible so the governor can determine what type of federal assistance may be requested.”
In order for the governor to request a Federal Disaster Declaration, Missouri
must conduct joint federal and state damage assessments with local governments
to identify uninsured losses to homes, businesses, or public property. Once the
assessment portion is complete and federal, state and local teams have gathered
and analyzed the information, the governor can then request Federal Disaster Assistance.
The governor began an aggressive campaign to ready state resources in preparation
for the flooding ensuring Missourians were well-prepared. He continues the effort
by requesting damage assessment teams canvas impacted areas in hopes of collecting
sufficient information to receive federal funds to alleviate community suffering and
hardship caused by the flood.
There are two types of Federal Disaster Assistance: Individual Assistance
and Public Assistance.
A Federal Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance is based on widespread
uninsured losses to primary residences and businesses. The Individual Assistance
Program is designed to help homeowners and businesses recover after a disaster
by offering grants and or low interest loans through the Small Business Administration.
It also provides grants to take care of necessary expenses and serious needs caused
by the disaster.
A Federal Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance helps reimburse county and local
governments for emergency protective actions, repair or replace damaged public property
or infrastructure, and remove debris from public property and roads. To qualify for public
assistance the state damages must meet a $1.22 threshold per capita. In addition, each
county must reach a $3.05 threshold per capita to qualify.