Governor approves Presidential FEMA declaration for St. Francois County storm damage, commissioners say

Commissioner Louie announced that the governor had approved a Presidential FEMA declaration covering storm damage in St. Francois County from April 23 through April 28, and commissioners said better record-keeping will help the county seek reimbursement for eligible expenses.

"On Thursday the governor approved President Trump's declaration for FEMA assistance for St. Francis County. That's for the April 23rd through 28th storm," Louie said during department reports. County staff said they have improved documentation practices for storm responses and expect that will aid reimbursement efforts.

Commissioners thanked staff (named in the meeting as Bridget and Brian) for their work documenting storm-related labor and expenses and said they will pursue recovery of eligible costs. No formal county action was recorded in the transcript to accept or obligate funds tied to the declaration; the remarks were provided as an update to the commission.

County staff said they had already begun compiling documentation and anticipated that improved records would increase cost recovery from federal assistance schemes.