Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary | official facebook
President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem have approved $59 million in expedited Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance funding to aid Missouri’s recovery after a tornado struck the St. Louis region in May 2025.
The State of Missouri will lead the recovery effort, with support from FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The funding aims to remove debris and accelerate disaster recovery following the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding that occurred earlier this year.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, this administration will continue to streamline aid to areas devastated by disasters like St. Louis and provide them with the tools they need to get back on their feet,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “These expedited funds will help demolish damaged buildings that pose a public safety threat, remove thousands of tons of debris, and provide backfill to stabilize impacted parcels of land as St. Louis residents recover and rebuild.”
The initial $59 million will be available immediately through FEMA’s Public Assistance program. This program is designed to reimburse state, tribal, and local governments for eligible costs related to debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent work resulting from declared disasters.
USACE will send senior debris experts—including the St. Louis District Commander—to collaborate with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency in Jefferson City on planning and managing debris operations. USACE technical monitors will also assist during debris removal work to ensure federal requirements are met.
Additional project funding may be awarded once validated cost documentation is provided by the state. FEMA and USACE plan to maintain ongoing technical assistance and oversight throughout the operation.
This response follows a federal disaster declaration signed by President Trump for Missouri’s recent weather events. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA are working closely with Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri’s State Emergency Management Agency, and city officials in St. Louis to keep recovery efforts progressing safely.
