WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley today said President BarackObama declared a major disaster declaration for Iowa, triggering the release of FEMA funds to help Black Hawk County recover from severe thunderstorms that occurred on July 10. Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.
"Black Hawk County was hit hard by severe thunderstorms that caused an enormous amount of damage," Grassley said. "It's good to see President Obama address this disaster so Iowans can work to clean up damage caused by the thunderstorms."
FEMA will provide assistance to Black Hawk County 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 also 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.
Grassley sent a letter to Obama asking him to grant Governor Chet Culver's request to declare Black Hawk County a major disaster areaas a result of severe thunderstorms that occurred on July 10.
A copy of the text of Grassley's letter can be found below or by clicking here. A copy of Culver's letter can be found by clicking here. Both letters can also be found on Grassley's website, http://grassley.senate.gov.
July 30, 2009
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 July 27, 2009 by Iowa Governor Chet Culver for a declaration of a major disaster for the State of Iowa as a result of severe thunderstorm that occurred in Black Hawk County on July 10, 2009. 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