Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Governor Culver Declares Four Counties Disaster Areas
Jones County joins Black Hawk, Bremer, and Louisa as declared disaster areas
( Des Moines ) Governor Chet Culver has added Jones County to the list of declared disaster areas in Iowa . Earlier, Governor Culver had previously declared Black Hawk, Bremer, and Louisa Counties as disaster areas following heavy rains last week, which 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.
“I continue to monitor the situation throughout eastern Iowa ,” said Governor Culver. “Though flood waters are slowly working their way downstream, we still consider this a serious event. I have pledged my support to local elected and emergency management officials, and we stand ready to do whatever we can to help the communities affected by flood waters recover as quickly as possible.”
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.
The proclamation triggers Iowa 's 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: http://dhs.iowa.gov/ . Look for the words "Storm Help”, or call toll-free (877) 937-3663 to find out more.
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.