FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2017


SEMA Flood Recovery Update Brief – Tuesday, June 20


  • A new FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opens Wednesday, June 21, in Maries County. DRCs offer in-person assistance to flood survivors from FEMA and SBA. Get details on recovery center locations and operating hours at Recovery.mo.gov.
    • Missourians who still have critical unmet needs are encouraged to call United Way 211 to learn about other types of assistance provided by voluntary agencies, faith-based and other organizations. If you have already called 211 for recovery assistance, you still need to register separately with FEMA. Call 2-1-1 for assistance or contact 211 online at http://211helps.org
  • As of June 18, the Small Business Administration has approved nearly $2.3 million in low-interest disaster loans.
  • FEMA will offer free repair and rebuilding advice at Lowe’s stores in Franklin and Jasper counties and at Meek’s stores in Howell and Stone Counties beginning Wednesday. Check for details and other locations here.
  • Local governments and nonprofit agencies that are considering applying for federal Public Assistance are urged to attend an Applicant Briefing before submitting an application. Because the briefings provide key information about recent significant changes to the Public Assistance program, even applicants from previous disasters should attend one of the meetings. Briefings will be held in disaster-designated counties through Friday, June 23. Find the schedule on the SEMA website here.
    • Note: All Requests for Public Assistance from governments and nonprofits must be submitted to FEMA within 30 days of the June 2 disaster declaration date, or July 1. Applicants should note that Requests for Public Assistance (RPAs) must first be received by SEMA, processed, and then submitted to FEMA by the July 1 deadline. For questions about Applicant Briefings or the Public Assistance program, call SEMA at (573) 526-9234. Applicant Briefings are only for potential applicants like school and road districts and eligible nonprofits and are not intended for the general public.
  • Anyone whose employment was lost or interrupted due to flooding is encouraged to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) with the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. For help filing a DUA claim call (800) 788-4002. To file a claim, call your Regional Claims Center Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or go online here. Currently, more than 400 flood-related unemployment claims have been received.

Missouri Recovery Photo of the Day
Workers pour a new lane on Route T in Wayne County, which was damaged by flooding. MoDOT crews continue to monitor two state roads in Jefferson and Mississippi counties that remain closed due to flooding. As the floodwater recedes, the crews work to remove debris and check for damage in an effort to open the road as quickly as possible.






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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov