Scott County to receive reimbursement from the state for 2009 ice storm expenses

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri will reimburse communities in Scott County and across southern Missouri more than $4 million for expenses incurred as a result of last year's ice storm.

"This devastating ice storm hit as Missourians and local governments were facing tough economic times and tight budgets," Gov. Jay Nixon said in a Thursday news release. "When I visited the affected communities, I was continually impressed with the resilience of our citizens and with the way faith-based and community groups were lending a hand to assist their neighbors in need. Despite the difficult economic times, I think it's now vital to our recovery for the state to lend a hand and assist local governments and agencies with rebuilding infrastructure and reimbursing for expenditures related to emergency response. This state assistance will help move Missouri forward."

The storm left up to two inches of ice in its wake. On Feb. 17, in response to a request from Nixon, President Barack Obama declared a major disaster area in Missouri, which ultimately included 21 Missouri counties. The declaration meant the federal government will pay 75 percent of the expenses of approved repairs made by public jurisdictions in the affected counties.

Nixon's action, which he announced at a meeting of the County Commissioners Association of Missouri, means that the state will reimburse 10 percent of the costs incurred by municipal and county governments, school districts, fire and ambulance districts, and other government agencies. It is now estimated that public jurisdictions incurred more than $42.3 million in expenses as a direct result of the ice storm.

Jamie Burger, presiding commissioner in Scott County, said he and his fellow commissioners were "elated" to hear the news.

"The state is stepping up and doing what they should to support the counties, and I'm glad to see it," Burger said.

As little as a week ago when officials called, they were told the reimbursement was being taken under advisement, Burger said.

The $49,497 Scott County is expected to receive will mostly fund the Highway Department.

"We'll get some reimbursement back for work they've already done," Burger said.

The funds will help fill some gaps in the budget, as well as allow the county to continue to maintain its roads, he noted.

Missouri Delta Medical Center is slated to received $8,509.

"This money will help offset the costs incurred from running our generators for five days during the ice storm," said Jon Branstetter, vice president of finance.

In all, more than $300,000 is expected to be reimbursed to public entities in Scott County. Other totals are:

* Benton, $808

* Blodgett, $4,338

* Chaffee, $3,705

* Haywood City, $1,076

* Illmo Special Road District, $1,438

* Miner, $3,299

* Morley, $2,765

* Oran, $1,402

* Oran Fire Protection District, $186

* Oran R-III School District, $939

* Scott City, $7,605

* Scott County R-IV School District, $665

* Sikeston, $211,401

* Sikeston R-6 School District, $3,003

* South Scott County Ambulance District, $3,607

* Vanduser, $2,593