Federal action opens door for flood aid in area

Flood victims in 33 Missouri counties, including Cape Girardeau, Scott and Ste. Genevieve, will be able to seek federal assistance now that President Barack Obama has signed a disaster declaration.

The president Thursday granted Gov. Jay Nixon's request for a major disaster declaration as a result of two strong storm systems in late December and early January that brought severe flooding to much of the state.

The storms led to 16 confirmed deaths and destroyed or damaged nearly 1,000 homes.

As a result of the disaster declaration, eligible residents can seek federal assistance for temporary housing and repairs as well as replacement of household items damaged or lost as a result of flooding.

Those affected by the flooding are encouraged to document losses, including photographing damage and retaining receipts.

Logan Cullum, left, and Victoria Bruce watch Dec. 29 as the last of the sandbags are placed around The Rivers Edge near the Red Star Access in Cape Girardeau.Laura Simon

In a statement, Nixon said federal aid will help people "rebuild and recover."

Individuals who sustained damage or losses because of flooding between Dec. 23 and Jan. 9 in any of the 33 designated counties may register for disaster aid online at DisasterAssistance.gov. or by calling FEMA's toll-free registration line at (800) 621-3362.

Nixon said the quicker Missourians register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the more quickly they may be able to receive assistance.

Cape Girardeau County emergency management director Dick Knaup said he will meet with a FEMA representative Monday as the federal agency gears up to provide disaster aid.

Knaup said the west side of the county suffered damage from flash flooding, and the east side was affected by subsequent Mississippi River flooding brought on by heavy rains near St. Louis. The county government is looking to recover some of the expenses it incurred for providing security in the flooded Allenville area and along levees, as well as debris removal.

The county also suffered some road damage, Knaup said.

Flooding also occurred in the Red Star and Meadowbrook neighborhoods to the north and south of the Cape Girardeau floodwall.

Knaup said FEMA will "set up shop" in Cape Girardeau to handle requests for assistance. The federal Small Business Administration will handle any assistance requests regarding flood damage to businesses. Agricultural damage claims will be handled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Knaup said.

Other agencies, such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, will provide additional assistance as needed.

Knaup and Cape Girardeau city manager Scott Meyer said it's too early to tell whether the federal government will pursue any flood buyouts.

"Their focus right now is to help people personally impacted by the flooding," Meyer said.

He said any discussion of property buyouts in flood-prone areas could be months down the road.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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