Press Release Archive
Friday, June 13, 2008
Governor Culver Announces Six Additional Counties Declared Presidential Disaster Areas
JOHNSTON – Today, Governor Chet Culver received word from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that six additional Iowa counties – Benton, Bremer, Fayette, Hardin, Johnson, Cerro Gordo, Delaware, Floyd, and Linn -- were granted a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance.
“I requested these declarations happen as soon as possible, and I’m grateful to Director Paulison for ensuring they were approved.” said Governor Culver. “This move will ensure that individuals who have affected by these historic floods will be able to get federal assistance in their recovery efforts. This has been a challenging time for our state and for Iowans. But as I’ve traveled the state this week, I have seen the resilience and determination of Iowans. And I have the utmost confidence that our state will be able to meet these challenges, both as communities experience flooding and after the water recedes.”
The disaster declaration makes federal funding available to affected individuals in these counties. 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.
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.
The move comes after Governor Culver made a request to add the counties following a visit to Linn and Johnson Counties. This afternoon, Governor Culver joined with FEMA Director Dave Paulison and Senators Grassley and Harkin to tour flood damage in Eastern Iowa. During their tour, they saw Cedar Rapids, where the Cedar River today crested at 31.12 feet, nearly 20 feet over the flood stage of 12 feet.
In addition, Governor Culver traveled to Iowa City, where the Iowa River is expected to crest nearly early next week.