Friday, August 24, 2007
Governor Culver Adds Four Counties To Disaster Proclamation
Thirteen Counties Now State Disaster Areas
(Des Moines) Governor Chet Culver has added Davis, Mahaska, Wayne, and Van Buren Counties to the list of state declared disaster areas. The action comes after state and local emergency management officials briefed the Governor about ongoing flooding in the area.
Earlier this week the Governor issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Boone, Humboldt, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Webster, Calhoun, and Cherokee counties as a result of heavy rains that have produced flooding conditions in north-central and north-west Iowa.
Following storms over southern Iowa last night, the Governor had already declared Appanoose and Wapello counties disaster areas earlier today. As Governor Culver, Lt. Governor Judge, and state and local homeland security officials monitor the situation, additional counties may be added to the disaster proclamation.
The emergency declaration is a procedural step that allows state resources to be deployed to local communities affected by the storm.
The proclamation automatically triggers Iowa's new individual disaster assistance program for people with low incomes. Iowans with household incomes of up to 130 percent of federal poverty guidelines may apply for a grant of up to $3,300 to help recover from flood damage. The governor emphasized that this is a reimbursement program, meaning that applicants must include receipts when applying for help.
The grant application and step-by-step instructions on how to fill it out are found on the front page of the Department of Human Services website: dhs.iowa.gov. Look for the words "Summer Storm Help. Or individuals can call toll-free (877) 937-3663 to find out more.
Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division officials have activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Johnston. State agencies are present at the SEOC to ensure all needed state resources are available for the impacted counties.