Missouri – As St. Louis nears the one-year anniversary of the destructive EF-3 tornado that struck on May 16, 2025, Missouri officials are pointing to a broad recovery effort built across state, local, federal and community lines.
Governor Mike Kehoe recognized the work this week, saying the response has reflected the strength of the city itself after a storm that brought deadly loss, severe damage and long months of rebuilding.
“From the moment the deadly tornado touched down, the State of Missouri’s assistance to St. Louis has matched the spirit of the residents who rallied to support neighbors and rebuild in the aftermath of the tragic loss of life and tremendous adversity,” Governor Kehoe said.
“As a proud product of North St. Louis City, I am particularly appreciative of how our state agencies, the Missouri General Assembly, and local nonprofits and businesses continue to come together to support the people of St. Louis.”
According to the governor’s office, the combined state and federal recovery effort now totals more than $350 million. That includes $147 million in FEMA and state assistance for more than 9,400 St. Louis City households, covering temporary housing, home repairs, essential property replacement and public infrastructure work.
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Another $23.8 million in state funds was directed through the Missouri Housing Trust Fund for home repairs, rental help and temporary housing. Missouri also made a $100 million budget commitment for St. Louis recovery, including private-property debris removal and demolition work in the tornado zone, along with $1.25 million for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. to provide direct victim relief.
The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance recovered more than $46 million for insured Missourians whose claims had initially been denied. The U.S. Small Business Administration also approved $36.4 million in low-interest loans for affected homeowners, renters and businesses.
A major piece of the cleanup has been Missouri’s first Private Property Debris Removal program, created after the disaster to clear debris and prepare severely damaged homes for removal when eligible under FEMA rules. Working with St. Louis officials, the state has also had to address environmental safeguards, including asbestos and lead concerns.
“Debris removal is underway and we recognize the multiple barriers and obstacles that our team has overcome in this process,” Kehoe said, adding that many families lacked insurance and many properties did not qualify for federal help.
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State agencies have also supported inspections, housing, mental health services, SNAP benefit replacement, mobile licensing help, workforce recovery and insurance assistance. For residents still struggling emotionally as the anniversary approaches, the Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990, and local crisis counseling information is available at MoShowMeHope.org.
