WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley asked the President to grant the request made by Governor Terry Branstad for a declaration of a major disaster in response to heavy rains, flash flooding, and riverine flooding between August 23 and 27, 2016.
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 August 23-27 caused significant damage to public infrastructure and private property. The eight counties included in this request are Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Floyd, Howard, Mitchell, and Winneshiek. A presidential declaration of a major disaster is necessary to trigger the release of federal funds for public assistance.
The text of Grassley’s letter to President Barack Obama is available here.
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