ST. LOUIS — State and federal officials released new information Tuesday morning on the process individuals and local governments can follow now that President Donald Trump has approved Missouri's request for a federal disaster declaration in the wake of the May 16 tornadoes that killed seven, including five in St. Louis.
The disaster declaration applies to St. Louis, St. Louis County and Scott County.
Here's how to apply:
Online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Victims can also download the FEMA app to apply.
Governor Kehoe's office says the faster people apply, the faster they may receive help. His office said the deadline for most individual assistance programs is 60 days after the presidential declaration. FEMA said the deadline date is August 11.
The declaration also unlocks federal money that local governments and some non-profits can use to repair public infrastructure damaged in the storm, along with reimbursement for emergency response costs and debris removal.
As recently as Monday afternoon, Spencer had been making the case she and others have said for days, that no city could shoulder the burden of handling the emergency response in the way that the city has, along with the state, private contractors and an army of volunteers that has taken on the task for helping with debris removal, emergency housing and serving thousands of meals.
Spencer will head to Jefferson City on Tuesday to testify in favor of legislation under consideration in the General Assembly that would provide $100 million in disaster relief for the city. Lawmakers are expected to approve the funds as early as Wednesday.
Spencer said she would welcome a call with President Trump and the chance to show him the impact of the disaster in person.