Obama Signs Disaster Declaration for St. Louis County; Brings Federal $$$

Storm victims in St. Louis County will have access to federal funding as a result of a disaster declaration signed Tuesday by the president. 

The declaration of a major disaster signed by President Barack Obama follows the Good Friday tornado and recent flooding, a White House news release states. Relief in the form of grants to assist with repairs and temporary housing, loans to cover the loss of uninsured property and other programs will also benefit residents of Butler, Mississippi, New Madrid and Taney counties. 

Sunset Hills Mayor Bill Nolan said he doubted the recent approval for federal funds was retroactive to the New Year's Eve EF3-ranked tornado that blasted through with winds up to 150 m.p.h.

"I believe it's event specific," Nolan said Tuesday, about the recent disaster declaration that allows for federal funding.

Both Sunset Hills and Crestwood were rejected for federal aid after a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) tour of the city strike zones in January. The Good Friday tornado that whacked Bridgeton, Maryland Heights and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport was ranked EF4, with winds up to 200 m.p.h.

It's possible that other counties will be added to the list when the Federal Emergency Management Agency finishes , the release states.

The state of Missouri and local governments that are eligible also will have access to federal funds, as will some nonprofits "on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding in St. Louis County," the release states.

Residents and business owners interested in applying for federal aid may do so beginning Wednesday by registering online or by calling 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers will be staffed from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time daily for the time being. 

Those with hearing and speech impairments call 1-800-462-7585. 

Elizabeth Turner has been named the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in Missouri.

Mac Scott, spokesman for , could not immediately be reached for comment.

How will federal assistance help St. Louis County residents recover from the Good Friday tornado?