Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Governor Culver Announces Butler County Will Receive Expedited Federal Assistance
Delaware County is the fourth county added to disaster proclamation list
(DES MOINES) – Today, Governor Chet Culver was joined by Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division Administrator Dave Miller and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Gene Meyer to update Iowans on the May 25 tornado. Dick Hainje, regional administrator for FEMA Region 7, also announced that President Bush signed an expedited disaster declaration for Butler County.
The expedited disaster declaration makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Butler County. Disaster assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. The disaster declaration also makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures in Butler County. In addition, the declaration makes funding available for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
Governor Culver said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is working with local and state officials to assess damage in Black Hawk, Buchanan, and Delaware Counties. “Assessment teams have gone out this morning and we will have a better handle on the extent of the damage in terms of dollar amounts,” said the Governor. Additional counties may be added to the federal disaster declaration based on the results of the damage assessments.
Low income residents in Black Hawk, Buchanan, and Delaware Counties may be eligible to apply for assistance under the Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant program. 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 tornado damage. The grant application and step-by-step instructions on how to fill it out are found on the front page of the Iowa Department of Human Services Web site: http://dhs.iowa.gov/. Look for the words “Storm Help” or call toll-free 877-937-3663 for more information.