WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley today said President Barack Obama has issued a major disaster declaration for Iowa, triggering the release of FEMA funds to help Iowa recover from the severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding that occurred August 23-27, 2016.  Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.

 

“The damage caused by these storms and flooding warranted this designation.  I am glad that the President addressed this promptly.”  Grassley said.  “These funds will help Iowa communities clean up the damage, especially those counties that have been hit again by more flooding.”

 

FEMA will provide assistance to Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Floyd, Howard, Mitchell, and Winneshiek counties through the Public Assistance program.  The Public Assistance program assists state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

 

All Iowa counties are eligible to apply for assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant program.  The Hazard Mitigation Grant program assists state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

 

Last week,  Grassley sent a letter to Obama asking him to grant Governor Terry Branstad’s request to declare Iowa a major disaster area as a result of severer weather that produced, heavy rains, flash flooding, and riverine flooding that occurred on August 23-27, 2016.

 

A copy of the text of Grassley’s letter can be found below or by clicking here.

 

 

September 19, 2016

 

The Honorable Barack Obama

President of the United States of America

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20500

 

 

Dear Mr. President:

 

I respectfully ask that you grant the request made by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for a declaration of a major disaster for the State of Iowa as a result of severe weather that produced heavy rains, flash flooding, and riverine flooding between August 23 and 27, 2016.  This weather caused significant damage to public infrastructure and private property.  The eight counties included in this request are Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Floyd, Howard, Mitchell, and Winneshiek.

 

The Governor determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments to handle effectively and federal assistance is needed. 

 

Thank you for your prompt consideration of this request.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Charles E. Grassley

United States Senator

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