MALDEN, MO - Today, Congressman Jason Smith announced that the City of Malden will receive more than $150,000 in disaster recovery funds from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) and the Missouri Department of Economic Development following the February 24 tornado that damaged over 75 properties, completely destroyed 11 homes and caused major damage to 11 more.

 

“I was in Malden days after the tornado hit, and from the very start it was apparent that whatever funds we could assist in securing were going to be needed to help bring this community back to where it was,” said Congressman Smith. “I was impressed with the community leaders and citizens’ immediate response to clear debris and begin recovery efforts.”

 

The DRA, an organization created and funded by the U.S. Congress, is granting $75,000 to the City of Malden to help with recovery efforts. The grant will provide new backup generators for the police station and emergency management department. It will also fund new power lines and power poles to fully restore electricity in Malden. Smith’s office was essential in getting generators included as a part of the DRA grant.

 

“The grant today from DRA for the City of Malden is exactly why Congress created the Delta Regional Authority and why I have continued to work closely with and supported securing resources for Missouri's 8th Congressional District,” said Congressman Smith. “Having power restored to the area is a huge help as they rebuild. I’m so glad to see the DRA supporting Malden, helping the community recover and making sure people get back on their feet.”

 

In addition to the DRA grant, $79,250 has been approved for Malden by the Missouri Department of Economic Development to help with debris removal and electrical line repair.

 

Malden Mayor Denton Kooyman said, “Congressman Smith has been in constant contact and getting updated on our recovery efforts. We truly appreciate his concern and know that the DRA grant would not have been possible without his help.”

 

“When a tornado struck Southeast Missouri, we told the rest of the state about a resilient community that remained unbroken in the face of danger and damage,” said Governor Greitens. “We wanted you to know that we’re still with you, helping to rebuild and repair what you’ve lost. We want the state to know that the people of Malden are tough and we know they’ll rebuild and rise up twice as strong.”

 

Smith was at the Home Depot in Poplar Bluff this week to discuss how employees were benefitting from higher wages and bigger paychecks as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. While at this stop, Home Depot store manager, Will Brumit, shared with Smith how the Poplar Bluff store was the very first group on the ground and helping in Malden after the tornado.

 

“Neighbors helping neighbors is a really powerful thing,” said Smith. “In Malden, you’ve got everyone from the Home Depot to DRA pitching in to get this community back on their feet. That’s one of the most admirable things about folks in our state, the best people come out in the worst of times.”