Missouri, Kansas to receive millions in disaster assistance after approval from President Trump 

President Donald Trump has approved millions of dollars in disaster aid for Missouri and Kansas following damage from April storms.

Missouri

Trump approved $27.6 million for Missouri July 2 after Gov. Mike Kehoe requested aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in May to provide federal assistance to 12 Missouri counties.

Between April 23 and April 28, Missouri experienced several tornadoes, heavy winds, large hail and flooding, which damaged more than 100 uninsured homes, Kehoe explained in a press release. On April 28, a storm in Springfield produced a piece of hail with a 4.75-inch diameter – the diameter of a CD – the largest recorded piece of hail in Greene County.

“Last week, local, state and federal assessment teams documented the high level of destruction and significant response costs that were a result of this severe weather system, which included at least eight confirmed tornadoes and softball-sized hail in some areas,” Kehoe said in the release.

Kehoe explained Missouri easily surpassed the $11.9 million threshold to qualify for federal disaster aid. Local officials estimate the state suffered more than $36 million in infrastructure damage and emergency response costs.

“The damage in Greene County alone surpassed the total state threshold to qualify for federal disaster assistance,” he said. “When the damage in all the other counties is included, the total is triple Missouri’s damage threshold and beyond the capacity of these hard-hit communities to meet without federal assistance.”

The funds will help 10 counties – Carroll, Chariton, Greene, Holt, Howard, Monroe, Randolph, Ripley, Saline and St. Francois.

“Local officials have worked tirelessly and in close coordination with both the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to document significant damage in the areas impacted by repetitive storms,” Kehoe said in response to Trump’s approval.

“We thank President Trump for approving Missouri’s major disaster declaration and greatly appreciate the critical work handled by our local response agencies and the recovery efforts that are already underway.”

Local governments and qualified nonprofits will use the FEMA Public Assistance program to repair damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure. The program can also help reimburse emergency response costs.

FEMA is still reviewing Kehoe’s request for Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance.

Kansas

Trump approved $5.5 million for Kansas Friday following a request from Gov. Laura Kelly on June 10.

Cherokee, Morris, Osage, Saline and Wabaunsee counties suffered damage to public infrastructure, utility systems and transportation networks during severe storms April 26 and 27 that included tornadoes, strong winds, flooding and hail.

“It is imperative that when states are significantly impacted by severe weather, that the federal administration fulfills its responsibility to provide timely assistance to aid communities rebuild their critical infrastructure,” Kelly said in a press release.

State and local governments will use the money to rebuild.

In a Truth Social post, Trump confirmed his approval of the money and reiterated his endorsement of Kansas Sen. Ty Masterson, who is running for Kansas governor.

“I love the incredible people of Kansas, and they will soon have a fantastic governor in Ty Masterson, who has my complete and total endorsement,” Trump wrote.

Kelly, a Democrat who is term-limited from running again, has endorsed Kansas Sen. Ethan Corson.

“Kansas is in good shape right now, and that’s why I am enthusiastically endorsing Ethan Corson to be your next governor,” Kelly said in a video. “Ethan is a true middle-of-the-road candidate who will attract that same broad base of support that is necessary to win.”

Kansas Republican Party Executive Director Rob Fillion, however, responded to Kelly’s endorsement.

“From his days on the Obama campaign to now, Ethan has shown that he will be a continuation of Biden-era extremism. He is clearly out of touch with Kansas voters and families.”