Monday, April 28, 2008
Governor Culver Declares Three Counties Disaster Areas
( Des Moines ) Governor Chet Culver has declared Bremer, Blackhawk and Louisa Counties as disaster areas following heavy rains, which have pushed rivers and streams over their banks. This action allowed state assets to help move pumps and sandbags provided by the Army Corps of Engineers to aid local responses.
“As Governor, I continue to monitor the flooding affecting communities in Eastern Iowa closely,” said Governor Chet Culver. “By declaring these three county disaster areas, we are ensuring a coordinated response between state and local emergency management officials. As flood waters continue to recede across the state, we will continue to assess damages, and take any necessary steps to ensure a quick and efficient recovery.” “As always, when in times of emergency, Iowans have banded together to fill tens of thousands of sandbags and take measures to keep their communities safe. The state remains ready and willing to help out the tremendous local response we’ve seen across Eastern Iowa .”
Starting last Wednesday, Iowa was hit by several severe storms that brought damaging winds and heavy rain, which caused flooding to many communities throughout Eastern Iowa .
The emergency declaration is a procedural step that allows state resources to be deployed to local communities affected by the storms. As flood waters continue to move downstream and damage assessments are completed in the coming days, additional counties may be added to the Governor’s proclamation.