Vernon dropped from disaster declaration

President Barak Obama on Friday declared a major disaster Missouri but three counties -- Vernon, Cedar and Pettis -- included in Gov. Jay Nixon's July 3 disaster request did not not make the final cut.

Scott Holste, the governor's press secretary, said the three counties apparently did not meet federal disaster guidelines.

"It appears that, while it was close, the amount of recovery and response costs from the local officials in Vernon County did not meet the threshold required by the federal government for reimbursement," Holste said.

The counties that were approved will receive federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of May 29 to June 10.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding in the counties of Barton, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Chariton, Clark, Howard, Iron, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Maries, Marion, Miller, Montgomery, Osage, Perry, Pike, Putnam, Ralls, Shelby, St. Charles, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard, Sullivan, Texas, and Webster.

Federal funding also is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide, according to a news release from the Federal Emgergency Management Agency.

W. Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator, named Michael L. Parker as the Federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Nixon thanked the president for his quick response.

"This declaration will help communities affected by the severe weather receive reimbursement for the high response and recovery costs," the governor said. "Rebuilding roads and other infrastructure as quickly as possible also will help residents and businesses in these areas, and keep our economy moving forward."

The federal government said the governor's request seeking individual assistance for residents in Callaway, Lincoln, Montgomery, Osage, Pike, St. Charles and St. Louis counties is under review.

Gov. Nixon declared a state of emergency in Missouri effective May 31, as continuing severe weather elevated river levels and tornadoes and straight-line winds caused extensive damage in the state. The order activated the State Emergency Operation Center and enabled the state to mobilize its resources, including the State Emergency Management Agency and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, to assist local authorities.

Missouri's congressional delegation had urged the president to take action and in a statement issued Friday afternoon. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) applauded Obama's decison to move forward.

Blunt said the storms cost the state $15.2 million in public response and infrastructure costs and resulted in three deaths, as well as numerous injuries. in addition, damages to nearly 1,400 homes and more than 500 businesses were reported.

"When disaster exceeds the state's ability to respond to emergencies, it's the responsibility of the federal government to intervene," Blunt said. "I'm pleased the administration has decided to heed our calls and provide Missourians with the resources needed to recover from these damaging storms and mitigate future losses."

In addition to Blunt, the letter was signed by U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri) and U.S. Reps. Lacy Clay, Emmanuel Cleaver, Sam Graves, Vicky Hartzler, Billy Long, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Jason Smith and Ann Wagner.