JEFFERSON CITY – Ray is among the counties that could receive federal aid to address storm damage. Gov. Mike Parson asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to 21 Missouri counties in response to storms and flooding from June 19 to July 1. A release from the governor states as follows: “Due to extremely heavy rains and significant flash flooding in late June, Missouri experienced nearly $7.3 million in damage to roads and bridges alone. The joint preliminary assessment teams confirmed counties endured considerable destruction and response costs, exceeding the state threshold to qualify for federal assistance.” Community governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies may seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement costs for damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure. The joint preliminary damage assessments by the State Emergency…