BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), along with U.S. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), today called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve the State of Iowa’s request for Non-Congregate Sheltering (NCS) for Iowans affected by federally declared disasters.

Iowa experienced three federally declared disasters in a span of 51 days, which impacted over 3,000 residences. If granted, NCS would provide eligible Iowans intermediate local housing options, allowing them to stay in their communities.

“There is great need for the NCS option to help survivors as they start the long recovery process. This program will help provide a lifeline to communities, many rural, with little to no alternative housing options,” the lawmakers wrote to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.

Read the delegation’s support letter HERE.

Background:

On April 26, Iowa endured a severe storm event consisting of 24 tornadoes and resulting in significant debris, power outages and property damage. The tornadoes decimated several small and rural Iowa communities, and left one Iowan deceased and others injured. President Biden approved Iowa Governor Reynolds’ major disaster declaration request on May 14 after receiving a Grassley-led letter of support from the Iowa delegation.

On May 21, Iowa experienced another severe storm event consisting of tornadoes and flash flooding. This storm caused massive destruction in Greenfield and Adair counties, significant damage in Polk, Story and Montgomery counties, and multiple fatalities and injuries. President Biden approved Governor Reynolds’ major disaster declaration request on May 24 after receiving a Grassley-led letter of support from the Iowa delegation.

On June 22, supercell storms caused heavy rainfall and record flooding across western Iowa. Assessments for this disaster are ongoing. Preliminary reports show it damaged properties significantly, left large amounts of debris and displaced numerous Iowans from their homes and businesses. President Biden approved Governor Reynolds’ major disaster declaration request on June 25 after receiving a Grassley-led letter of support from the Iowa delegation.

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