President Barack Obama has approved a major disaster declaration for Missouri as a result of the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and prolonged flooding that affected large portions of the state from May 29 to June 10.

The federal government has approved public assistance for 27 Missouri counties.

That allows local governments and nonprofit agencies to seek assistance for response and recovery expenses associated with the severe weather and flooding.

 

The counties included in the federal disaster declaration are: Barton, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Chariton, Clark, Howard, Iron, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Maries, Marion, Miller, Montgomery, Osage, Perry, Pike, Putnam, Ralls, Shelby, St. Charles, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard, Sullivan, Texas and Webster.

“This declaration will help communities affected by the severe weather receive reimbursement for the high response and recovery costs,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “Rebuilding roads and other infrastructure as quickly as possible also will help residents and businesses in these areas, and keep our economy moving forward.”

The federal government said the Governor’s July 3 request seeking individual assistance for residents in Callaway, Lincoln, Montgomery, Osage, Pike, St. Charles and St. Louis counties is under review.