Holsman: Interim Committee on Disaster Recovery

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - State Rep. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City, has been appointed to the newly created House Interim Committee on Disaster Recovery that is charged with developing ways for the state to best recover from the series of natural disasters that have recently struck Missouri.

Since the spring, Missouri has been hit by a series of tornadoes that has caused serious damage in the St. Louis area, Joplin and Sedalia. There has also been massive flooding along the Mississippi River and other rivers in Southeast Missouri. Officials are further concerned that in the coming weeks Missouri River flooding could wreak havoc along the state's northwestern border to Kansas City and through the state's central corridor to St. Louis.

The committee was formed shortly after a group of lawmakers traveled to Joplin earlier this month to help out with tornado relief efforts.

"After witnessing firsthand the devastation in Joplin and with concerns about future flooding along the Missouri River, I look forward to working with other members of the committee to develop effective responses to the challenges taking place in out state," Holsman said.

Holsman filed legislation, House Bill 615, this year that would have established Civil Disaster Response Corps consisting of up to 1,150 people who would be trained in emergency response, hazard mitigation and disaster recovery. Find that legislation here.

Speaker Pro Tem Shane Schoeller, R-Willard, has been chosen to lead the committee as chairman. His office has announced several meetings in the month of June including: June 22 in Sedalia, June 27 in Joplin, and June 30 in Sikeston.

Avaiable Resources for Joplin relief efforts

The American Red Cross has played a vital role in the Joplin relief effort. They have a resource center accepting volunteers and donations located at:

1110 East 7th Street
Suite 13
Joplin, MO 64801

Red Cross general information number: (866) 206 - 0256

American Red Cross Joplin website linked here

Another great resource, for donating or connecting with other organizations in the area, established in the wake of the tornados is RebuildJoplin.org. RebuildJoplin has been endorsed by City of Joplin, Joplin Schools, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Southwest Missouri & Southeast Kansas and multiple partner organizations. RebuildJoplin.org is linked here