County officials meet with SEMA about disaster aid application process

On June 19, Saline County was one of more than 40 counties in Missouri declared eligible for public assistance to repair damages that occurred as a result of severe weather between May 8 and May 16.

Bill Urban, an emergency management specialist who works for the state, met with Presiding Commissioner Becky Plattner and representatives from Marshall, Sweet Springs, Gilliam, Grand Pass and Common Special Road Districts Thursday morning, July 2, to provide more information about receiving money to repair roads damaged by the storms.

Only damages that are the direct result of the severe weather are eligible for consideration. And, when repairs are made, the roads can only be returned to the condition they were in prior to the storm; no improvements will be funded. Typically, the federal government reimburses 75 percent of the repair costs.

Urban emphasized the importance of documentation before, during and after the repair work.

"Pictures are your best friend," he said, because they show the extent of the damages and repairs.

The county and the special road districts must fill out requests for public assistance by July 19 to remain eligible to receive funding. Repairs must be completed within 18 months of the June 19 disaster declaration.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net