Sen. Chuck Grassley today met with top staff for Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad to discuss preparation efforts for expected flooding in the Cedar Valley. Grassley also has talked with Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett. Grassley made the following comment on the flooding preparation efforts so far.
“The governor’s office is working with counties and cities on flood preparation, mitigation and response. Federal agencies including the Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the National Weather Service are involved. Communities including Cedar Rapids that were struck by prior floods, including the devastating 2008 floods, have done a lot of work to protect their residents from flooding. As I have before, I’m ready to help the state and communities with whatever they need from the federal government, whether it’s disaster assistance or making sure farmers have their federal crop insurance needs fulfilled. The flooding is coming at a critical time for farmers with many crops still in the field and not yet ready to be harvested.
“Emergency management officials urge drivers to be careful and follow road closure alerts as closely as possible. Tree limbs hidden under water can be a safety concern. Shelter is an important need to keep in mind, and volunteer agencies are anticipating areas where people can be housed. Schools may not be option since school is in session.”
Here are links that might be helpful:
https://volunteeriowa.org/
http://www.511ia.org/
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/iowa/library/disasterrelief
http://www.weather.gov/
http://www.cedar-rapids.org/alert_detail.php
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