Gov. Jay Nixon on Friday night announced that President Barack Obama has approved his request for a major disaster declaration for Missouri — including Texas County — as a result of the severe storms that generated flooding throughout much of the southern portion of the state from Aug. 2 to Aug. 14.
The federal government approved public assistance for 18 Missouri counties, which allows local governments and nonprofit agencies to seek assistance for response and recovery expenses associated with the severe weather and flooding.
The counties included are: Barry, Camden, Cedar, Dade, Dallas, Laclede, Maries, McDonald, Miller, Osage, Ozark, Phelps, Pulaski, Shannon, Taney, Texas, Webster and Wright.
“This strong system of widespread and deadly flooding caused an estimated $18 million in emergency response costs and damage to roads, low water crossings and other infrastructure,” Nixon said. “This declaration will help these communities recover and rebuild.”
Damage in Texas County was estimated at about $5 million.
The federal government said the governor’s Aug. 27 request seeking individual assistance for residents in Barry, Camden, Dallas, Dent, Gasconade, Laclede, Maries, McDonald, Miller, Morgan, Osage, Ozark, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, Taney, Texas and Webster counties is under review.
Nixon declared a state of emergency in Missouri on Aug. 6, in response to the continuing flooding hazards, and on Aug. 7 ordered the deployment of Missouri National Guard to assist local authorities in protecting lives and property.