Governor Blunt, Secretary Chertoff Tour Community Devastated by Mississippi River Flood

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

July 07, 2008

Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290


WINFIELD - Gov. Matt Blunt today met with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to provide him with a firsthand view of the damage to Winfield from the flooding disaster on the Mississippi River.

"My thoughts and prayers continue to be with those Missouri families who are now beginning to pick up the pieces from this disaster," Gov. Blunt said. "Today was another opportunity for me to visit Winfield and to personally show Secretary Chertoff the damage and needs of this community."

Gov. Blunt and Secretary Chertoff toured the flood ravaged community of Winfield by air and met with local officials on the ground so that the Secretary could see firsthand how the recovery process is proceeding.

In addition, Gov. Blunt led a briefing in St. Louis for Secretary Chertoff on the impact of the flooding, the states response and Missouris anticipated needs. The Missouri Departments of Agriculture, Economic Development, Public Safety and National Guard were represented. Representatives of state and federal emergency management agencies also participated.

Gov. Blunt received an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for 22 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis as a result of flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. In addition, Gov. Blunt activated the states emergency operations center, activated more than 800 members of the Missouri National Guard and directed state departments to assist in every way possible.

Missouri has been under a State of Emergency continuously for numerous natural disasters since December 2007 with the sole exception of three days in March 2008.