Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Governor Culver Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration
State Assistance Also Available for Low-Income Families
(Des Moines) - Tomorrow Governor Chet Culver will send a letter to President George W. Bush requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Louisa and Muscatine Counties as a result of tornadoes and severe weather that affected the area on June 1st.
As a result of damage assessments completed today, there appears to be a sufficient amount of damages to justify a presidential declaration. Governor Culver expects to have the paperwork and data completed to make the formal request of the president tomorrow.
In addition, there is state assistance available to low-income Iowans to replace storm-related losses.
“After surveying the area, it has been determined that there is enough damage to request a presidential disaster declaration,” said Governor Culver. “We also want low-income families in Eastern Iowa to know there is state assistance available to help with storm-related losses.
“There are many Iowa families that are homeless because of last week’s tornadoes, and I believe we must do everything we can to assist those families in need.”
More counties may be added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration request if damage reports warrant their addition.
State Assistance is Available
Low-income Iowans living in counties under the Governor’s disaster proclamation, Jackson, Louisa, and Muscatine, may apply for state grants of up to $3,319 to replace storm-caused losses. Applications may be completed by households whose annual income is 130 percent or less of federal poverty guidelines, which is $13,273 for a single individual, $17,797 for a family of two and $26,845 for a family of four.
An application form with instructions is available on the front page of the Department of Human Services Web site or applicants may go to any county office of the Iowa Department of Human Services or to any county emergency management office. The Iowa Department of Human Services has set up a toll-free hotline (866-434-4692; Monday-Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm) for those with questions.
Applicants must provide receipts for qualifying uninsured expenses. Here are examples of reimbursable expenses:
- Up to $1,000 will be available to reimburse storm-caused expenses for making the dwelling safe, sanitary, and secure.
- Up to $300 for an electrician to help bring power back to a dwelling.
- Up to $560 will be available for storm-related damage to appliances or food.
- Up to $425 for purchase and installation of a water heater.
- Up to $500 for damage to a vehicle.
- Up to $50 a day for lodging or rental expenses in case the storm forced residents to leave their homes.
Applicants must indicate that their household income meets the income eligibility test. Income includes wages, child support, retirement income, and Social Security.