Governor requests disaster declaration from SBA

Now that FEMA aid will not be granted to Missouri following the Feb. 29 tornado outbreak, Gov. Nixon has requested a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration that could allow other assistance to Missouri residents and businesses.

SBA disaster loans are issued to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, not-for-profit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed, according to a news release issued by the governor's office Tuesday.

FEMA denied requests from Missouri and Illinois for federal aid Monday. Local and state officials have said the reason for the denial was likely because most of the structures damaged in the storms were insured.