WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa has asked the President to grant the request made by Governor Terry Branstad for a declaration of a major disaster in response to damaging winds, tornados, rain accumulation, hail, and thunderstorms last month.

In a request letter, Grassley wrote, “The Governor determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments to handle effectively and federal assistance is needed.”

Severe weather on June 14-23 caused significant damage to public infrastructure and private property.  The 26 counties with the most severe damage are Allamakee, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Butler, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Fayette, Franklin, Hancock, Humboldt, Ida, Kossuth, Lyon, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, Winnebago, Winneshiek, Woodbury, and Wright.  A presidential declaration of a major disaster is necessary to trigger the release of federal funds for public assistance.

Here is the text of Grassley’s letter to President Barack Obama:

July 15, 2014

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 severe weather that produced damaging winds, tornados, rain accumulation, hail, and thunderstorms resulting in severe damages and flooding beginning on June 14, 2014, through June 23, 2014.  This weather caused significant damages to public infrastructure and private property.  The twenty-six counties with the most severe damages are Allamakee, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Butler, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Fayette, Franklin, Hancock, Humboldt, Ida, Kossuth, Lyon, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, Winnebago, Winneshiek, Woodbury, and Wright.

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
 

 

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