Show-Me State Times

Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is transferring $59 million to St. Louis as part of recovery efforts following storms and tornadoes that impacted the region on May 16, 2025. The funding is part of an estimated $180 million previously secured by Senator Schmitt for debris removal and recovery operations.

The deployment includes technical assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who will provide support with property debris removal. Experts from the Corps are scheduled to arrive in Jefferson City today to assist local authorities.

Senator Schmitt emphasized the collaborative nature of this effort, which involved coordination with the Trump administration, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, and St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer. He led a letter from the entire Missouri congressional delegation to Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson requesting federal help for debris removal.

“Great news! Today, FEMA will transfer $59 million to St. Louis to aid with recovery efforts following the devastating May storms. This is part of the estimated of $180 million in upfront debris removal funding that will head to the State of Missouri, alongside the deployment of U.S. Army Corps of Engineer mission assignments and experts to advise the state with their unmatched technical expertise, who will arrive in Jefferson City TODAY. I appreciate Governor Kehoe and Mayor Spencer for continuing to be great partners on the cleanup,” said Senator Schmitt.

On May 21, 2025, Senator Schmitt sent a letter to President Trump requesting immediate action on disaster declarations submitted by Governor Kehoe after severe weather hit St. Louis on May 16. Following his advocacy, President Trump approved both individual and public assistance for affected areas across Missouri on June 9.