WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley today said it was good news for Iowa communities affected by the ongoing Missouri River flooding to have the major disaster declaration issued today by the President, triggering the release of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to aid recovery from the flooding that started on May 25, 2011. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
“The damage being caused by the ongoing flooding along the Missouri River needed a quick response from the President,” Grassley said. “I’m glad President Obama made these funds available to help Iowans start the clean up process.”
FEMA will provide assistance to Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Pottawattamie and Woodbury counties though the Public Assistance Program. The Public Assistance Program provides funding 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 provides funding for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.
Last week, Grassley sent a letter to President Obama asking him to grant Governor Terry Branstad’s request for a disaster declaration for Iowa a result of the ongoing flooding that started on May 25.
The text of Grassley’s letter is below.
June 19, 2011
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 flooding along the Missouri River and its tributaries beginning on May 25, 2011 and continuing. This flooding has forced hundreds of evacuations and significantly impacted the levee system on the Missouri River Basin. The six Iowa counties which have been severely impacted are Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Pottawattamie, and Woodbury.
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