Governor Mike Kehoe

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

*April 16, 2025*

*Governor Kehoe Announces FEMA to Participate in Joint Damage Assessments for Damage to Roads, Bridges and Public Infrastructure in 25 Counties*

"Yesterday, joint state, local, and federal teams began assessing damage to homes and private property in preparation for federal disaster declaration request"

*JEFFERSON CITY *– Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) of public infrastructure in *25* *counties* following the deadly severe storms and flooding that began March 30 and that continues to affect much of the state.

“Our state and local public works crews have been doing an incredible job reopening roads and making initial repairs to bridges, low water crossings and other infrastructure, but it is clear that the extent of the damage across the state will require federal disaster assistance,” *Governor Kehoe* said. “Our State Emergency Management Agency, local and FEMA teams began assessing damage to homes and private property yesterday and will be working through the week. Next week, we will begin joint PDAs to document and tally the damage to public infrastructure and validate what we believe is a clear need for federal Public Assistance.”

Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties *Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Vernon, Wayne, *and* Webster* counties. Additional counties may be added as damage information is received from local officials.

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, and local emergency management officials. Beginning Tuesday, April 22, six teams will verify documented damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Public Assistance allows local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.

These PDAs will be in addition to those that began yesterday for Individual Assistance, which allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles and other qualifying expenses.

To assist Missouri farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, Governor Kehoe sent a letter [ [link removed] ] last week to United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting the assistance of the Missouri Farm Service Agency in conducting agricultural damage assessments. 

Earlier this week, Governor Kehoe also signed Executive Order 25-22 [ [link removed] ], extending Executive Orders 25-19, 25-20, and 25-21 until May 14, 2025,  allowing resources of the State of Missouri to continue assisting affected communities.

SEMA is coordinating with local officials, other state agencies, and volunteer and faith-based partners as clean-up and recovery efforts continue across the state. If you have damage, contact your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible.

Individuals interested in helping those in need are encouraged to direct donations to trusted disaster relief organizations such as those found at National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster [ [link removed]:*2F*2Furldefense.com*2Fv3*2F__https:*2Flinks-1.govdelivery.com*2FCL0*2Fhttps:*2F*2Fwww.nvoad.org*2F*2F1*2F0100019273342b40-45682192-ce5e-4f97-ac96-8200948230e6-000000*2FNi4fF14bWjGEvRKRVEwOmV7dR2Rao2TjgtH0O2RxXg0=374__;JSUl!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!BMPv0UMaPkYvRkR01BppIjJKEyv421GVGVQ4_h8xxRcJEx3JcE7xBzgsuva7MhYw0JDVQHW0pJZAHQDwWSQKbEcBtU2giEAWGBKyNPSCVM0eEluE*2524/1/01000195b577e6d7-15c58429-e127-4dd2-badf-a1e8bc00c5bb-000000/HcfBJxI4N-mMB9Ws8FS_IgNlKNssOS141y6qb5kYx-Q=397__;JSUlJSUlJSoqKiUlJSU!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!F7TV1Cg76547RoYFCdZ-E2c5AF1kq4pNsU968kFVEMFLFKgAF_Zfh_i_wWPHxUKXLgQUfhXhExAtaC9DGWCm6rguW06QiOuLLBE7n5_pAuixcQ%24 ]. Financial contributions are the fastest and most flexible method of donating as it allows these organizations to quickly address urgent or emerging needs. If you wish to donate supplies, first check to see what items have been identified as high need and where.

Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov [ [link removed]:*2F*2Frecovery.mo.gov*2F/1/01000195b577e6d7-15c58429-e127-4dd2-badf-a1e8bc00c5bb-000000/hUi618hW4Kefp-I80cFZhO4VDcIkQ-g5paHE2hMcUy4=397__;JSUl!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!F7TV1Cg76547RoYFCdZ-E2c5AF1kq4pNsU968kFVEMFLFKgAF_Zfh_i_wWPHxUKXLgQUfhXhExAtaC9DGWCm6rguW06QiOuLLBE7n5_GiHT0-w%24 ].

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*Contact: Gabby Picard*

Communications Director

Mobile: 573-536-6566

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov


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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Office of Governor Mike Kehoe · PO Box 720 · Jefferson City, MO 65102 · (573) 751-3222 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]