federal disaster declaration

President Obama has signed a disaster declaration for Missouri in response to the storms and floods of May and June.

Here's the rest of the statement issued by the White House:

Mo. governor Jay Nixon is seeking federal assistance for 18 Missouri counties hit by last week's violent storms.

Nixon said Wednesday he has requested a federal major disaster declaration for parts of southern and northern Missouri struck by tornadoes, hail and high winds on Feb. 28 and 29. The weather was blamed for three deaths, dozens of injuries and widespread property damage.

As the six-month anniversary of the presidential disaster declaration for Missouri approaches, federal disaster grants and loans have reached over $3.5 million in St. Louis County.

Grants and loans have been distributed by FEMA’s Individuals and Household Programs, their Public Assistance Program and the Small Business Administration disaster loan program.

The money has been providing for those affected by disasters in St. Louis County.

Updated 1:10 with assistance deadline.

Gov. Jay Nixon is asking federal agriculture officials to declare 23 Missouri counties a disaster area to allow aid for farmers who have lost crops or property.

Gov. Jay Nixon is seeking a federal emergency declaration for the state because of flooding along the Missouri River system and flash floods in the northeast.

The governor made the request Tuesday in a letter to President Barack Obama.

President Obama has issued a disaster declaration for portions of Missouri affected by recent storms, tornadoes and flooding.

The disaster declaration makes federal funding available to affected individuals in St. Louis, Butler, Mississippi, New Madrid and Taney counties, according to a White House press release. Funding is also available for State and eligible local governments, along with certain private non-profit organizations.

Missouri's U.S. Senators have sent a joint letter to President Obama urging the president to grant Governor Jay Nixon's request to declare 64 Missouri counties federal disaster areas after this winter's heavy snowfall.