Governor Requests Federal Major Disaster Declaration

(Jefferson City) Governor Mike Parson is requesting a federal major disaster declaration for the state’s response to COVID-19.

Parson says the coronavirus pandemic is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the state and local governments.

If President Trump approves the request, Missouri would get federal aid to help deal with the fallout of the respiratory disease.

The governor has requested Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling and the Public Assistance Program to help local governments and nonprofits with emergency response costs.

Missouri has already been approved for federal disaster loans for businesses through the Small Business Administration.