WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today urged Missourians to continue their strong response to the tornado disaster in Pemiscot County and pledged to stay highly involved with federal officials in both Washington and Missouri.

 

“I have been pretty impressed with the level of coordination and response from the appropriateofficials, and even more moved by the number of volunteers and law enforcement personnel who have left their neighboring communities to serve in Pemiscot County,” Emerson said.  “So many people have done an outstanding job that it is impossible to name them all, but Caruthersville Mayor Diane Sayre deserves special praise for her tireless work.  She has been a lynchpin in the effort to coordinate a swift, thorough response.”

 

Last night, President Bush signed a federal disaster declaration that triggers the release of federal funds to help individuals and communities in ten Missouri counties respond to the strong storms that occurred between March 30 and April 3, 2006.

 

“This designation is essential to helping get our response up and running for the long challenge of recovery that lays ahead for people affected by this disaster.  Not only will these programs help families get back on their feet and start the rebuilding process, but this federal designation will put many federal offices to work on behalf of victims in Missouri,” Emerson said.  “I was on the phone with the White House several times Tuesday and Wednesday pushing this designation, and now we must make the best use of the resources that will be available to the state, county, and disaster victims.”

 

Emerson urged Pemiscot County disaster victims to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as soon as possible by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.

 

“FEMA representatives will be on-site in Pemiscot County at an emergency operations center.  We should take full advantage of their experience to make our communities whole again as soon as possible,” Emerson said.  “There are a number of federal programs that will help during this process every resident of Pemiscot County should be aware of.  Even if they do not help you directly, they may help a loved one, neighbor or the community as a whole.”

 

Program available to the State of Missouri:

 

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program – A grant program available to the State to request 75 percent federal funding for disaster mitigation and recovery projects.  FEMA will also assist the state in setting priorities for the use of these funds in the aftermath of the disaster.

 

Program available to Pemiscot County:

 

FEMA Public Assistance – A program to fund the repair, restoration, reconstruction or
replacement of a public facility or infrastructure which is damaged or destroyed by a disaster. Certain private non-profit organizations may also qualify for emergency funding under this program if they provide critical services, such as education, utility, medical, rehabilitation, wastewater treatment or communications.  Debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings, public utilities and parks are eligible under the Public Assistance program.

 

Program available to affected residents of Pemiscot County:

 

Assistance to Individuals and Households – A program to provide financial help or direct services though some specific programs have lower caps, for housing assistance and expenses such as:

FEMA conditions must be met to qualify for these various types of assistance.