KC Reporter

Governor Mike Kehoe has announced the activation of the Missouri National Guard to aid in tornado recovery efforts in St. Louis. Up to 41 engineering personnel will be deployed to assist with debris removal and sorting, following a request from the City of St. Louis.

The 35th Engineer Brigade is set to begin operations on Wednesday, May 28, aligning with the city's recovery timeline. "Through this deployment, the State of Missouri is further assisting the City of St. Louis in recovery efforts following the devastating May 16 storms," Governor Kehoe stated. He expressed gratitude for the National Guard's involvement and emphasized ongoing support from state agencies.

Since May 20, a Missouri National Guard Liaison Officer has been advising local officials on potential missions. The deployment follows a request for assistance made by St. Louis last night to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

The Engineer Task Force will work as part of the County Emergency Operations Center team and provide an Emergency Debris Clearance & Emergency Route Construction Package. They will support residential debris collection sites by sorting, loading, transporting, and removing debris to landfills.

In collaboration with St. Louis Parks, Recreation and Forestry, four city-owned sites will operate daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm for two weeks starting May 28 through June 11.

Governor Kehoe had previously declared a State of Emergency on March 14 through Executive Order 25-19 due to severe weather threats. This declaration was extended twice via subsequent executive orders.

SEMA continues its coordination with local officials and volunteer groups to address needs arising from the disaster. Residents can reach out for assistance through United Way or American Red Cross services.

For more information on disaster recovery resources in Missouri, including clean-up details and housing assistance, residents are directed to visit recovery.mo.gov.