Lee County gets partial disaster aid for July storms

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DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds received word Wednesday that President Donald Trump has partially approved her request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for counties impacted by severe storms and tornadoes on July 19, 2018.

The declaration will make assistance available to public and nonprofit entities in Lee, Marshall, Marion and Van Buren counties under the federal Public Assistance Program. A Presidential Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance puts into motion long-term federal recovery programs, some of which are partially matched by state programs and designed to help public entities and select nonprofits. Public Assistance funds may be used for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and may include debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair of damaged public property, loans needed by communities for essential government functions and grants for public schools. Damage assessments in the four declared counties showed an estimated $6 million worth of damage that could be eligible under the Public Assistance Program.

The governor also received notification that this Presidential Disaster Declaration will make available funding to conduct hazard mitigation activities for the entire state. With this funding, Iowa will be able to minimize the impact of future disasters by taking steps to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards.

Still under review is the governor's request for funding under the federalIndividual Assistance Program for homeowners, renters and businesses in Marshall and Polk counties for theJuly 19, 2018,severe weather and tornadoes. Federal Individual Assistance Program funding provides disaster survivors with programs and services to maximize recovery, including assistance with housing, personal property replacement, medical expenses and legal services.

The governor requested the declaration on Aug. 17, 2018.The letter can be read in its entirety here.

This is the second Presidential Disaster Declaration granted to Iowa this year. On Aug. 20, 2018, President Trump granted the governor's request for Public Assistance Program funding for 30 counties impacted by flooding and severe weather fromJune 6-July 2, 2018. Gov. Reynolds had also requested Individual Assistance Program funding for four counties impacted by flooding and severe weather during that same time period. Her request was denied on Aug. 22, 2018.

The governor submitted a letter of appeal to FEMA on Sept. 11, 2018, asking that they reconsider their denial. FEMA's response to the governor's appeal is pending.

 

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