NEWTONIA — Seventh District Congressman Roy Blunt toured the tornadic damage in Southwest Missouri today, including the town of Newtonia.

Stopping off at the historic Civil War Ritchey Mansion, Blunt assured a handful of residents about a declaration of federal assistance.

“I am going to try to continue to push to get this declaration on this disaster, so you can get disaster assistance potential as well,” Blunt said.

Blunt surveyed the damage to the small community of 200 residents, and viewed the damage at the Ritchey Mansion. Blunt also toured the towns of Granby, Purdy and Racine.

In a prepared statement issued by Blunt’s office, he said, “The devastation and destruction caused by the tornadoes that hit Southwest Missouri this past weekend is almost incomprehensible. Just as we have in the past, families, businesses and entire towns will come together to begin the difficult and painful process of healing, mourning the 16 lost lives and beginning the long process of rebuilding. And I stand ready to help our region get back on its feet in whatever way I can.”

Blunt added, “Given the magnitude of the damage, I expect the federal government to quickly issue a disaster declaration – and I’m glad that FEMA is already on the ground providing assistance. Traveling with Small Business Administration Regional Administrator Sam Jones today, I have been assured that the SBA is moving quickly, offering much-needed help to get our local businesses up and running again.”

See more of this story in the Tuesday print version of the Neosho Daily News.