Representatives of three federal agencies toured Houston, Cabool and Licking last Thursday and Monday as part of a review in advance of a presidential disaster declaration related to the recent storm, said Presiding County Commissioner Don Shelhammer.
The crew was limited on time last week because of a tornado that struck Kirksville. They also were traveling to Crawford and Washington counties.
“They will evaluate what they saw, take into account what they didn’t see and evaluate whether they recommend a federal disaster declaration for the county,” Shelhammer said. “Other teams also looked at the adjoining counties, and the whole area will be considered.”
The team last week was only interested in residential damage. Another team on Monday looked at damage to public facilities – roads, bridges, debris removal from commercial business. Bob Ellsworth, county emergency management director, accompanied them. Houston City Administrator Larry Sutton said the visit in the community included an overview of cleanup efforts and local infrastructure damaged, such as a pavilion destroyed at Pine Lawn Cemetery.
Shelhammer said residents are no longer required to report damage now. The team will use current data to arrive at a sample.
If the county is declared a disaster area, a location will be established to take claims, Shelhammer said.