We're pleased that federal help is on the way in the wake of this spring's flooding and severe weather.
On Friday, President Trump issued a major disaster declaration for the state of Missouri. That allows the release of federal funds to help communities across the state recover.
Earlier in this space, we reported that, fortunately, flood victims are not "out of sight, out of mind" as can be the case. Various state agencies have worked both together and separately to address the serious problems caused by the flooding, and found various ways to aid the victims.
We also had urged the federal government to approve Missouri's requested disaster declaration. Now, that declaration shows that even here in flyover country, they haven't forgotten about us.
Missouri suffered severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from April 28 to May 11.
Some of the funding specifically targets Mid-Missouri, including Cole County.
"President Trump's announcement is the first step in helping our communities heal," U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, said in a statement. "The torrential rainfall that swept across Missouri in April and May exhausted the resources of our state. Federal funding is vital to helping thousands of Missourians recover."
And U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, said: "This decision to send federal resources to aid in the recovery will certainly help make a difference."
The president issued Stafford Act assistance for individuals and households in the following 3rd Congressional District Counties: Franklin, Gasconade, Jefferson, Maries, and Osage.
The president issued Stafford Act assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities in the following 3rd District Counties: Camden, Cole, Franklin, Gasconade, Jefferson, Maries, Miller and Osage.
All areas in Missouri are eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
If you have been affected by the storms and flooding, you can apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
You also can call the registration phone number at 1-800-621-3362; those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
We appreciate the federal government's recognition of Missouri's disaster. Many of the affected residents live in rural areas and have conservative values. They don't want a handout, just a small hand up.