Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 19-06 to give Director Carol Comer, Department of Natural Resources discretionary authority to temporarily waive or suspend the operation of any statutory or administrative rule or regulation during the period of the flooding emergency and the subsequent recovery period to best serve the interests of the public health and safety.

Governor Parson declared a state of emergency in Missouri in response to worsening conditions along the Missouri and Mississippi River systems as a result of release from upstream reservoirs, snow melt, and excessive rainfall. Governor Parson also activated the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions. On March 21, 2019, the Governor signed Executive Order 19-05 making the emergency declaration official.

“It’s important that all state agencies continue to work together to help Missourians in flood impacted areas,” Governor Parson said. “We will continue to work closely with local, state, and federal partners to monitor and ensure we are delivering resources Missourians need most.”

Governor Parson also wrote a letter to the Missouri Farm Service Agency to request its assistance in conducting agriculture damage assessments. The results are needed to request a Secretarial disaster declaration for counties impacted by historic flooding this month. The request asked for damage assessments for the following 12 counties: Atchison, Andrew, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Clay, Holt, Jackson, Lafayette, Platte, Ray, and Saline along the Missouri River. Additionally, Missouri’s Farm Service Agency was asked to use its discretion as the situation progresses this spring to potentially include the counties of Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Gasconade, Franklin, Howard, Jefferson, Mississippi, Moniteau, Montgomery, New Madrid, Osage, Pemiscot, Perry, Scott, Ste. Genevieve, St. Charles, St. Louis, and Warren, as well as the city of St. Louis for damage assessments.

“Missouri agriculture is our state’s number one economic driver, and we must do everything we can to ensure farmers and ranchers get the necessary help that is available,” Governor Parson said. “I appreciate the ongoing efforts at every level in assisting those in need.”

To review Executive Order 19-06, click here.