NEW HARTFORD—Senator Chuck Grassley today said that President George Bush has amended his May 28 Disaster Declaration to include several counties affected by severe flooding. On Tuesday, Grassley wrote FEMA Administrator David Paulison to encourage quick action on the State of Iowa’s request for more federal assistance. Grassley, along with the rest of the Iowa delegation, sent another letter to Paulison today.
“I’ve been side by side with Administrator Paulison as he toured the historic flooding much of Iowa is experiencing. I appreciate both he and the President’s prompt action in recognizing the severity of the situation and declaring these counties federal disaster areas,” Grassley said. “This declaration will help thousands of Iowans bounce back from this natural disaster. I hope more counties will be added as quickly as possible. ”
The President had previously declared Black Hawk, Buchanan, Butler and Delaware counties Federal Disaster Areas following tornado damage. The Administration today amended the May 28 declaration to include Marion, Story, Tama, and Union Counties for Individual and Public Assistance. Adams and Page Counties are available for Individual Assistance only. Boone, Cerro Gordo, Crawford, Dallas, Delaware, Dubuque, Floyd, Franklin and Union Counties are available for public assistance only.
Individual Assistance is federal assistance available to individuals and households
Public Assistance allows state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations to receive assistance on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding.
A copy of Grassley’s letter to Paulison on Tuesday is available below.
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Grassley Urges FEMA to Grant Federal Assistance After Widespread Flooding
WASHINGTON --- Senator Chuck Grassley today sent a letter to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, David Paulison, asking for prompt consideration of any additional requests by the State of Iowa for federal assistance following heavy rains and severe flooding throughout much of Iowa.
“Nearly one third of Iowa is already underwater and water levels continue to rise. Iowans are working day and night to protect their communities from the flood waters, but more help is needed,” Grassley said. “Quick approval of any needed assistance would go a long ways in helping thousands of Iowans recover from these historic storms.”
Butler, Black Hawk, Buchanan and Delaware have already been declared Presidential Disaster Areas due to the tornado that swept through just two weeks ago. Because of this emergency situation, additional counties can be added to the original declaration as warranted. This allows for a streamlined process as more information becomes available on the extent of the damage.
Here is a copy of the text of Grassley’s letter to Paulison. A copy of the signed letter and pictures of Grassley signing the letter can be found on Grassley’s website,
http://grassley.senate.gov.
