Now that the floodwaters are going down, emergency management officials are starting to look at whether the damage qualifies for assistance from the federal government.
The president must issue a disaster declaration for the state, as in August, for federal aid to be available.
"When we had the storms in the summer, we were able to qualify for public assistance because we had damage to our roads," said Bill Farr, Jefferson City/Cole County emergency management director. "So far, in talking to our public works officials, we don't believe we're going to qualify this time around. We'd probably have to reach around $300,000."
Farr said they do not believe there will be much assistance for things like flooded basements.
"What we found in the summer was that when federal officials asked homeowners if they had flood insurance, most said they did, so that disqualified them from getting federal assistance," he said. "That being said, many counties are getting information from homeowners that may seek assistance through FEMA. If anyone would like to give me their information and feel they have had flood damage, I will pass the information along to the state and we will wait to see if they qualify.
"Again, if there is insurance coverage, the property will not qualify except for a possible Small Business Loan through FEMA."
Farr said the most important thing for homeowners to do is take photos of damaged areas and keep information on what measures were taken, if any, for repairs or clean up.
"This is not a guarantee that we will receive any benefits, but we need to do a damage assessment on each property," he said.
If a homeowner wishes to be put on a list, contact the Cole County/Jefferson City Office of Emergency Management Office at 573-634-9146 or email at [email protected]. The information will be forwarded to the state once compiled.
Osage County emergency management officials have been getting calls about potential assistance, primarily for properties along the Osage River. Those officials said there are several things to keep in mind:
• Residents do not need to obtain a floodplain development permit (FPDP) for cleaning interior and exterior of structures, i.e., removing mud, disinfecting or drying out buildings. You also don't need a permit for removing trees and debris from property.
• Before starting any repair work, you do need a FPDP for replacing existing rock and bank stabilization projects, replacing decks or walls and repairing or replacing utilities that includes plumbing, switches, water heaters and outlets.
To get FPDP forms, call the Osage County Floodplain Administrator at 573-897-3561 or email the office at [email protected].