WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kit Bond today asked the President to provide Missourians with the federal help needed to recover from the severe storms that hit the state in September. 

 

In a letter to the President, Bond asked for the swift approval of Governor Blunt’s request for a disaster declaration that would provide household, individual, and public assistance to help Missouri families, businesses, and communities rebuild.

 

The text of the letter is attached.

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October 6, 2008

 

The Honorable George W. Bush

President

The White House

Washington, DC 20005

 

Dear Mr. President:

 

     Governor Matt Blunt, on October 6, 2008, requested a disaster declaration for the State of Missouri.  This flooding was a result of rains from Hurricane Ike and lasted from September 11 through 24, 2008.  The severe weather, flash flooding and flooding along the Missouri, Fabius, Cuiver, Chariton and Mississippi Rivers and their tributaries has caused significant damage.

 

            Specifically, the Governor has requested household and individual assistance for 24 counties and the independent City of St. Louis, public assistance has been requested for 47 counties and he has requested hazard mitigation for the entire state.  Preliminary assessments appear to determine that the flooding will exceed $11 million. As a result, Governor Blunt has determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and the affected local governments.

 

            It is my hope that you will grant Governor Blunt's request promptly, to help state and local governments recover from this disaster.  Along with fellow Missourians, I eagerly await your decision on this request for assistance.

 

                                                              Sincerely,