Governor Requests Major Disaster Declaration

Governor Mike Parson has requested that President Trump approve a major disaster declaration for the entire state of Missouri to provide federal assistance for state and local COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and emergency response efforts. In the request filed Tuesday, Governor Parson said the pandemic is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the state and local governments. Governor Parson requested two programs statewide, Disaster Unemployment Assistance and Crisis Counseling, under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individual Assistance Program, which provides assistance to individuals and families. The Governor said the closure of multiple employment sectors will greatly impact all Missourians and that the state and local capabilities to provide mental health services will also require federal assistance. Parson also requested FEMA’s Public Assistance Program to assist local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies with emergency response expenses, including those of first responders, in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also requested that FEMA assist with debris removal expenses if needed for the removal and disposal of bio-hazard and other contaminated materials as a result of the pandemic response.