Press Release Archive
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Lt. Governor Patty Judge To Lead Tour Of Agricultural Damage
More Counties Receive Assistance from the Federal Government
Tomorrow Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Patty Judge will hold a press conference tomorrow at Iowa Farm Bureau. Lt. Governor will then lead a tour of agricultural damage, with stops in Cedar Rapids and Burlington.
The event will be the kick off for a helicopter tour of agricultural flood damage to be lead by Lt. Governor Patty Judge. Joining the Lt. Governor will be Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and representatives from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, the US Department of Agriculture, the Iowa Cattleman’s Association, the Iowa Corngrowers Association, the Iowa Pork Producers, and the Iowa Soybean Association. They will hold media availabilities in Cedar Rapids and Burlington during their tour. See details of the schedule below.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Additional counties have been added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration, bringing the number of counties eligible for federal assistance to 64. Here is the latest list.
INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE
FEMA approved the following counties for individual assistance: Hancock, Kossuth, Lee, Madison, Marshall, and Wapello.
They join the following counties, which were previously covered under a Presidential Disaster Declaration for individual assistance: Jasper, Mahaska, Mills, Monona, Chickasaw, Crawford, Warren, Allamakee, Des Moines, Fremont, Harrison, Clayton, Adams, Cedar, Jones, Louisa, Muscatine, Polk, Winneshiek, Benton, Bremer, Black Hawk, Butler, Buchanan, Cerro Gordo, Delaware, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, Johnson, Linn, Marion, Page, Story, Tama and Union. Federal Individual Assistance has now been approved for 42 counties.
Individual Assistance allows homeowners, renters, business owners and non-profit organizations to recover from the effects of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began May 25 and continues.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
FEMA approved the following counties for Public Assistance: Benton, Bremer, Cass, Cedar, Clinton, Decatur, Fremont, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton, Mahaska, Montgomery, Poweshiek, and Wapello.
These counties join the following counties, which were previously covered under a Presidential Disaster Declaration for public assistance: Allamakee, Fayette, Johnson, Jones, Page, Adair, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Madison, Taylor, Webster, Adams, Linn, Winneshiek, Grundy, Howard, Iowa, Marshall, Mitchell, Ringgold, Worth, Wright, Clayton, Black Hawk, Boone, Buchanan, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Crawford, Dallas, Delaware, Dubuque, Floyd, Franklin, Marion, Story, Tama and Union. Federal Public Assistance funding has now been approved for 55 counties.
Public Assistance funds pay the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities. A series of applicant briefings will be held for local officials to explain the application process.
They join the Iowa counties already under a Governor’s Emergency Proclamation.
Counties covered under Governor Culver’s Disaster Proclamation: 83 counties. Adair, Adams, Allamakee, Appanoose, Audubon, Benton, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Clarke, Clayton, Crawford, Clinton, Dallas, Delaware, Dubuque, Davis, Decatur, Des Moines, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Fremont, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Howard, Humboldt, Henry, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Jefferson, Keokuk, Kossuth, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lucas, Marion, Marshall, Mitchell, Monona, Montgomery, Muscatine, Mahaska, Madison, Mills, Monroe, Page, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Scott, Story, Shelby, Tama, Taylor, Union, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren, Webster, Winneshiek, Worth, Wright, Washington, Wayne, and Winnebago.
The Governor's proclamation activates Iowa's individual disaster assistance program. Iowa’s individual disaster assistance program helps 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.
Disaster Assistance Clarification
Applying for help. Iowa residents who sustained damage in this year’s storms or floods should apply for federal or state-only disaster assistance grants if they are available. Residents are not eligible for both. By design, the federal program is far more generous than the state-funded Iowa-only program.
How do I know?
- Iowa’s program is automatically turned on when the governor declares a county to be a disaster. He has declared 83 counties so far.
- Iowa’s program is automatically superseded when the president declares a county to be a disaster for individual assistance.
The state program. This is a grant program only for people with very limited income (at or below 130 percent of federal poverty guidelines). Generally, if you are eligible for food stamps, you are eligible for the grant program. The grant is offered in numerous categories, with the maximum grant being about $3,300. For information, go to dhs.iowa.gov and look for the words “Storm Help” on the front page. Or call toll free (877) 937-3663.
The federal program. The federal government offers extensive grants and loans for Iowans in areas declared a presidential disaster for individual assistance. The federal program is far more beneficial to victims, both in grant maximum amounts and in eligibility criterion. Specifically, it is not limited to people with very low incomes. A good starting point for federal programs relating to the Iowa disaster is this web site. http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=9867 Or call (800) 621-3362.
What happens if there is a conflict? So far, nobody has filed for grants under the state disaster program in an area that is declared a federal disaster. In the unlikely event that this happens, DHS staff will make contact and help steer the person to more beneficial federal programs. Federal programs offer much more aid and are not limited to low income families.
More information regarding the state and federal disaster grant programs can be found at the following link. http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/Consumers/Assistance_Programs/CashAssistance/DisasterAssistance/StormHelp.html
Disaster Recovery Centers Open
Disaster Recover Centers open as of June 19 include:
Benton County
- New Vinton/Shellsburg High School Commons Area, 210 W. 21st St., Vinton, IA 52349
Black Hawk County
- University of Northern Iowa Towers, 2003 Campus St., Cedar Falls, IA 50613
- Pinecrest Bldg, Room 201, 1407 Independence Ave., Waterloo, IA 50703
Bremer County
- Waverly-Shell Rock High Commons, 1405 Fourth Ave. S.W., Waverly, IA 50677
Buchanan County
- Aurora Comet Center, 401 Woodruff, Aurora, IA 50607
Butler County
- MDRC - New Hartford Fire Station, 308 Packwaukee St., New Hartford, IA 50660
- Memorial Veterans Bldg., 101 Colfax St., Parkersburg, IA 50665
- Mobile DRC
- June 19-20, Dumont, Vacant lot adjacent to the Emergency Bldg. 630 First St., Dumont, IA 60625
- June 21-22, Greene, Greene School, 201 N. Fifth St. Greene, IA 50636
Johnson County
- MDRC Johnson County Fair Grounds, 4260 Oak Crest Hill Road S.E., Iowa City, IA 52246
Polk County
- Harding Middle School, 203 E. Euclid Ave., Des Moines, IA 50313
Linn County
- CLOSED Harding Middle School, 4801 Golf St. N.E., Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
- MDRC - West Dale Mall, 2600 Edgewood Road. S.W., Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
- MDRC - Prairie High School, 401 76th Ave. S.W., Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
- MDRC – Palo Fire Station, 505 Vinton St., Palo, IA 52324
Union County
- Creston City Hall, 116 W. Adams St., Creston, IA 50801
The centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Residents of any county designated in the federal disaster declaration may go to any DRC listed below for information.
FEMA disaster assistance specialists and representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be available to answer questions. Other state, federal and non-profit organizations will have information at the DRC as well.
Anyone with storm-related damage is encouraged to register with FEMA prior to visiting a disaster recovery center, but phones are available at the center if residents have not pre-registered. Register by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairments, 24 hours, seven days a week or register online anytime at www.fema.gov.
AREAS OF CONCERN
Des Moines
The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. FEMA disaster assistance specialists, as well as representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be available to answer questions. Other state, federal, and non-profit organizations will also have information at the DRC.
The Army Corp of Engineers says water should no longer be flowing over the Saylorville Lake emergency spillway as of Sunday, June 21. Water levels are expected this weekend to be below 884 feet, which is the crest of the emergency spillway. Also, water in the Red Rock area appears to be dropping by one foot per day.
The Department of Natural Resources is asking anyone that sees large or unsafe debris (such as drums, hazardous waste, etc.) floating in rivers to call 515-281-8694. Once the debris has been reported, a crew will be called out to remove it.
Keokuk
U.S. Highway 136 Hamilton-Keokuk bridge is now open.
The river is projected to crest in Keokuk on Thursday afternoon at 26.8 feet, just under the record of 27.6 feet.
Iowa National Guard troops and other state resources remain in the area and are ready to help local officials respond to any emergency.
Local officials along the Mississippi in southeast Iowa have used the days before the river surge to effectively raise levees to protect key infrastructure items like water treatment plants. “All state resources will be used to continue this flood fight,” Governor Chet Culver stressed.
The Governor visited Fort Madison and Keokuk Wednesday afternoon to ensure local officials and first responders have the state resources they need.
Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids Police have requested assistance via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) for additional law enforcement support. Additional officers are requested to provide public safety and law enforcement services in flood zones in the city. Officers from Minnesota and Nebraska will supplement Iowa law enforcement resources to provide this support and are being implemented as phased in deployments on a timeline established by Cedar Rapids Police.
Officials understand the frustration of Cedar Rapids residents who want to return home. They stress they are working to clear the evacuated area of all hazards to ensure a safe reentry. Sink holes, downed power lines and uncovered manholes remain a hazard. While the city’s water capacity has improved, residents are asked to conserve water. Linn County has established regular press briefings and residents are encouraged to tune to those for the latest information. Large portions of the city have been opened for reentry.
Three Disaster Recovery Centers are currently operating in Cedar Rapids Wednesday. These centers give those impacted by the floods a place to meet face to face with state and federal workers to learn about specific programs available to help them and the steps needed to enroll in those programs.
Fort Madison
The Fort Madison Toll Bridge has reopened.
Local officials have taken steps to protect the local water treatment facility.
More than 200 National Guard soldiers are in the area to help local officials with flood preparation and response.
Ottumwa
The river has crested in Ottumwa. Though waters are receding, the threat remains that water control efforts could fail. Citizens are encouraged to use caution in the coming days.
ROAD CLOSURES
The Iowa DOT's temporary customer service phone line will be in operation from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily until further notice. That number is 866-452-8510. This number was set up for assisting travelers navigate state roadway closings. It is not an emergency number. Emergency calls should be made to 911. The operators at this call center have information on state highways only, not county roads or local streets.
Many of the closures on this list will remain in place for an extended period of time due to extensive damage. It is extremely important that motorists do not move barricades on closed roads, as entering a closed road presents a serious risk.
For travel between Muscatine and Davenport, motorists should take U.S. 61 east to Interstate 280, Interstate 280 north to Interstate 80, and then into or around the city of Davenport via Interstate 80.
Updates
- Iowa 22: in Washington/Johnson/Muscatine counties - Iowa 22 is now open from U.S. 218 to Iowa 70.
FATALITIES
There have been 17 storm-related deaths since the tornado of May 25.
Fatalities:
8 Butler County (tornado)
1 Wright County (Flooding)
1 Palo Alto/ Curlew (lightning)
1 Hamilton County (Flooding)
4 Monona County (Tornado)
1 Linn County (Flooding)
1 Louisa County (Flooding)
A additional fatality in Henry County is currently under investigation to determine if the death was the result of a traffic crash or the result of a unrelated medical condition, but it is not being considered a flood related death.
American Red Cross Open Shelters:
Benton County
- Iowa Braille School, 1002 G Avenue Vinton, IA 52349; 3 occupants
Black Hawk County
- UNI West Gym, University Ave & Campus St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613; 35 occupants
Bremer County
- Wartburg College, 222 9th ST NW, Waverly, IA 50677; 27 occupants
Des Moines County
- West Burlington High School, 408 W Van Weiss, West Burlington, Iowa ; 9 occupants
Johnson County
- Johnson County Fairgrounds, 4265 Oak Crest Hill Rd SE Iowa City, IA 52240; 29 occupants
- Northwest Jr High School, 1507 8th Street, Coralville, Iowa 52241; 26 occupants
Linn County
- Viola Gibson Elm. School, 6101 Gibson Dr. NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404; 78 occupants
- Prairie High School, 401 76th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 62404; 145 occupants
13 shelters are in standby mode throughout the State
EVACUATIONS
This is the latest information gathered in terms of the number of Iowans that have been evacuated as a result of this flood. In most cases local officials and emergency managers have allowed reentry.
- Black Hawk County
- Cedar Falls = 1000
- Waterloo = 300
- Butler Co
- New Hartford and Greene = 300 evacuees
- Cerro Gordo
- Rural = 100
- Clayton Co
- Elkader = 220
- Clinton Co
- Toronto = 26
- Des Moines Co
- Burlington (Townships Tama, Jackson, Huron) = 350
- Dubuque
- Dyersville = 75
- Cascade = 40
- Hamilton
- Blairsburg = 4
- Webster City = 19
- Johnson County
- Iowa City = 5,000
- Johnson County Rural = 299
- Lee Co
- Montrose (Sandusky Area) = 350
- Louisa Co
- Columbus Junction = 1616 + 37 from Colonial Manor Nursing Care
- Fredonia = 201
- Oakville = 442
- Linn Co
- Cedar Rapids = 25,000 + 205 patients from Mercy Hospital
- Palo = 400 residential + 37 commercial
- Madison Co
- East Peru = 15
- Mahaska Co
- Red Rock Area = 85
- Eddyville= 30
- Polk Co
- Des Moines = 240
- Scott Co
- Bettendorf (Duck Creek Area) = 350
- Wapello County
- Ottumwa = 200
- Cargill Plant is Ok
- Winneshiek Co
- Decorah = 1240
- Freeport = 230
- Fort Atkinson = 50
- Spillville = 45
- Winneshiek Rural Areas = 150
38,656 Evacuees, 18 Counties, 31 Towns-Townships-Rural Areas
IMPORTANT NOTICES
Stay out of flood affected areas unless you have been told to be there. Emergency Management Officials need clear access to these areas, and unless you need to be there, stay away.
Evacuate Means Evacuate. If you are directed by local officials to evacuate, leave the area immediately. The situation remains dangerous, and to help protect the lives of Iowans, please leave if you are told to do so.
Be wary of unscrupulous practices. Disasters bring out the best in people, and can sometimes bring out the worst. Reports are sporadic at this time, but have indicated that Iowans affected by flood waters have been scammed by people posing as contractors or emergency personnel. Remember:
- Never pay for goods or services in advance
- Never give out your social security number
- Always ask for identification
VOLUNTEER
Iowans interested in volunteering or donating are encouraged to visit the flood 2008 website at www.flood2008.iowa.gov. They can also contact the Iowa Concerns Hotline at: 800.447.1985.
KEY NUMBERS/WEBSITE
To obtain updated shelter information, call 1-800-GET-INFO (438-4636)
211 (regional call center to help people with human services)
Iowa Concern Hotline 1-800-447-1985 for volunteers and donations
Road Closures Hotline 1-866-452-8510 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily or 24 hours at www.511ia.org.
To apply for federal assistance, contact FEMA at www.fema.gov.
To apply for the State Individual Assistance program contact the Iowa Department of Human Services at dhs.iowa.gov and click the "storm help" link.
For current weather forecasts and flood statements, visit http://www.weather.gov.
SCHEDULE FOR GOVERNOR AND LT. GOVERNOR
Tomorrow, Governor Chet Culver, Lt. Governor Patty Judge, Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Lang, and representatives from Iowa’s agricultural community will hold a press conference at the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, where they will discuss the impact of this year’s flooding on Iowa’s Agricultural community.
The event will be the kick off for a helicopter tour of agricultural flood damage to be lead by Lt. Governor Patty Judge. Joining the Lt. Governor will be Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and representatives from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, the US Department of Agriculture, the Iowa Cattleman’s Association, the Iowa Corngrowers Association, the Iowa Pork Producers, and the Iowa Soybean Association. They will hold media availabilities in Cedar Rapids and Burlington during their tour.
| What: | Governor Culver and Lt. Governor Judge to kick-off agricultural flood damage tour with a press conference at the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. |
| Where: | Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Atrium 5400 University Avenue West Des Moines, IA |
| When: | 10:30 a.m. |
| What: | Lt. Governor Judge and representatives from Iowa’s agricultural community will hold a media availability regarding their tour of agricultural flood damage. |
| Where: | Landmark Aviation FBO 9430 Shepherd Court Cedar Rapids International Airport Cedar Rapids, IA |
| When: | 2:00 p.m. |
| What: | Lt. Governor Judge and representatives from Iowa’s agricultural community will hold a media availability regarding their tour of agricultural flood damage. |
| Where: | Southeast Iowa Regional Airport – Administration Building 2515 Summer Street Burlington, IA |
| When: | 3:45 p.m. |
PRESS BRIEFINGS
A copy of previous briefings can be found at the Flood 2008 Resource Website at flood2008.iowa.gov. Click on the ‘News’ link.