Governor Requests Federal Assistance For Flood Victims

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens last week requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration for 51 counties, including McDonald County.

By doing so, residents could receive federal assistance for the devastating floods in late April.

In a press release, Greitens said federal assistance is critical for rebuilding and moving forward.

“As soon as safely possible, damage assessment teams began operating all over Missouri. Their reports confirm just how devastating this historic flood was for many communities in wwMissouri,” Greitens said.

“Today, I am requesting that President Trump approve federal assistance for flood survivors and businesses. This assistance will help our people begin to rebuild, and help local communities with costly emergency response and infrastructure repair costs. The people of Missouri are strong. Communities are coming together to rebuild. Support from the administration is essential to that effort.”

Across Missouri, several counties received as much as 10 to 12 inches of rain, and pushed at least

a dozen rivers and major creeks to record crests, the Governor’s Office reported. Officials logged several hundred flood rescues and evacuations. In addition, hundreds of businesses and homes were damaged.

McDonald County experienced a flood situation very similar to the one in December 2015, according to McDonald County Emergency Management Agency Director Gregg Sweeten. The county’s roads and bridges incurred nearly $1.5 million in damage because of the flood.

Almost every road in the county was affected, and approximately 150 residences and about 75 businesses were damaged, Sweeten said. Thirty-five boat rescues took place in Noel, Anderson and Lanagan.

Elk River crested at about 27.3 feet, the same as in the December 2015 flood, Sweeten reported. However, Indian Creek and all the side branches were a lot worse than in December 2015, he said. Indian Creek exceeded its crest record by 1.5 feet, he said.

Flooding resulted in swollen and flooded creeks, totally impassable roads, washed away pavement, destroyed ball fields and more.

Those with flood damage should fill out a form, stating damage and estimated costs of loss, Sweeten said. The form is available online at the McDonald County Emergency Management Agency website: http:// mcdonaldcountyema.org.