WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley said today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has awarded funds totaling $9,637,508.44 to Iowa as the state continues its recovery from severe storms, tornadoes, heavy rain and flooding in 2008.
"Iowans continue to be resilient in the wake of the devastating floods, tornadoes and severe storms, but resources are still needed as Iowans strive to get back on their feet," Grassley said. "These funds will help pay for some of the costs of repairs and expenses incurred during the 2008 disasters."
FEMA obligates the funding for the projects below to the state of Iowa. It's the state's responsibility to use these funds to reimburse eligible sub-grantees after the review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation. The eligible sub-grantees are shown below.
· Louisa County will receive $1,120,556 through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to help acquire/demolish 26 residential properties that have been substantially damaged. The funding should cover 75 percent of the total project cost.
· Nevada Community School District will receive $1,617,406 through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to help build a multi-purpose safe room. The funding should cover 75 percent of the total project cost.
· Dyersville will receive $2,502,600 through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to help acquire/demolish 27 residential properties that have been substantially damaged. The funding should cover 75 percent of the total project cost.
· Cedar Falls Utilities will receive $4,396,946.44 through FEMA's Public Assistance program to reimburse funds used to help raise the current barrier about two feet above the high water mark, help strengthen the barrier footings, and help build solid gates at the openings to hold back floodwater to limit or eliminate damages due to a similar or greater flood. The funding should cover 90 percent of the total project cost.
According to FEMA, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funds to reduce the loss of life and property, lessen the impact to local communities due to natural disasters, and enable recovery after a disaster.
The Public Assistance Grant program provides assistance to State, Tribal and local governments, and certain types of Private Nonprofit organizations so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President.
Thanks, in part, to the efforts of the Iowa congressional delegation, FEMA pays for 90 percent of the costs associated with the Public Assistance project shown above. The delegation sent several letters requesting the federal government take another look at the disaster level to ensure Iowa communities got the assistance they were entitled.