Ice storms earlier this month that caused more than $13.8 million in damage to public facilities has prompted Gov. Matt Blunt to ask for federal disaster declarations for 18 Missouri counties, including Texas County.
Blunt has included Christian, Douglas, Greene, Ozark, Shannon, Texas, Webster and Wright counties in the request.
The storms caused widespread power outages, two traffic-related deaths and a number of injuries.
If President Bush approves Blunt’s request, federal assistance will be available to reimburse government bodies that are eligible for assistance for emergency activity, debris removal and repairs or replacement to public property.
Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, asked the White House and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make speedy decision on the matter.
“This series of winter storms was unlike anything southern Missouri has experienced in the last decade. Widespread power outages, some lasting as long as two days, created a real hardship for our families and businesses. Ice storms as severe as these have a significant economic impact,” Emerson wrote. “I’m looking forward to the speedy consideration of the governor’s request.”