Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing $59 million in funding to support recovery efforts in St. Louis after storms and tornadoes struck the region on May 16, 2025. This allocation is part of an estimated $180 million in aid previously secured by Schmitt.

The funding will be used for property debris removal, with assistance from experts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who are being deployed to Missouri. The arrival of these experts is expected to provide technical guidance for local cleanup operations.

Schmitt attributed the release of funds to his advocacy and coordination with federal, state, and city officials. He led a letter from Missouri’s congressional delegation to Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson requesting help with 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, Schmitt sent a letter to President Trump urging immediate action on disaster declarations requested by Governor Mike Kehoe following the storm in St. Louis. The push led to President Trump approving both individual and public assistance for Missouri as announced on June 9.