WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley today asked the President to grant the request made by Governor Terry Branstad for a declaration of a major disaster in response to damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, hail, and thunderstorms last month.
In a letter of request, Grassley wrote, “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.”
Severe weather on June 3-4 caused significant damage to public infrastructure and private property. The Iowa counties with the most severe damage are Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Mills, Montgomery, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Taylor, and Wayne. A presidential declaration of a major disaster is necessary to trigger the release of federal funds for assistance.
Here is the text of Grassley’s letter to the President Barack Obama:
July 7, 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, tornadoes, heavy rains, hail, and thunderstorms resulting in severe damages and flooding beginning on June 3, 2014, through June 4, 2014. This weather caused significant damages to public infrastructure and private property. The nine counties with the most severe damages are Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Mills, Montgomery, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Taylor, and Wayne.
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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