Letter to the Hon. Deanne Criswell, Administrator Federal Emergency Management Agency - Cleaver, Congressional Delegation Call on FEMA to Approve Request for Preliminary Damage Assessments Following Severe Storms and Flooding Throughout Missouri

Letter

Dear Administrator Criswell,

We write today in support of Missouri Governor Mike Parson's recent request for Joint Public Assistance (PA) Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) in response to severe storms and flooding in the state of Missouri

On July 6, 2021, Governor Parson officially requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) participate in joint PDAs in 17 Missouri counties. Between June 19 and July 1, Missouri experienced severe storms and heavy rain that resulted in flash flooding and costly damage to roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure. As the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency works with local partners to better understand and document the extent of the damage caused by these storms, additional counties may be added to this request.

As you know, these PDAs are the first step in determining whether the scope of damage caused by these storms exceeds the state's disaster response capabilities, and if federal assistance is needed to support recovery. We ask that FEMA work closely with the state of Missouri to carry out these assessments in a thorough, effective, and timely manner. We also ask that any further requests in connection with these storms receive due consideration.

We appreciate your services in leading the nation's disaster recovery efforts. Please keep our offices apprised as these assessments are carried out, and as FEMA considers any future requests related to these damaging storms. Again, thank you for your service to our country and for your consideration of these requests.

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