Press Release Archive
Friday, June 27, 2008
Governor Culver: Iowans Have Responded. Now, It’s Time To Rebuild.
Governor announces “Rebuild Iowa” initiative; Iowa National Guard General Ron Dardis to lead new statewide recovery commission
DES MOINES – Today, Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Patty Judge unveiled the “Rebuild Iowa” plan, a bi-partisan recovery initiative to help Iowans recover from this year’s historic natural disasters.
“Iowans are at our best with our backs up against the wall,” said Governor Culver. “Although the damage to our state is heavy, our collective spirit is strong, and optimistic. This spirit has served us well in the past. It sustains us today. Statewide, Iowans have responded. Now, it’s time to rebuild.”
The Governor made the announcement this afternoon at a press conference at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. He was joined by Lt. Governor Patty Judge and a group of bi-partisan legislative leaders.
As part of the plan, Governor Culver announced the creation of a new commission – the “Rebuild Iowa Commission” – which the Governor appointed Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Ron Dardis to chair.
"I have been privileged to serve our state and nation for more than 42 years, and I am humbled to serve Iowans in another challenging assignment,” said General Dardis. “We have experienced a very successful response phase to our 2008 floods; we must now transition to the recovery phase in the most effective and efficient way possible. The Rebuild Iowa initiative provides the foundation for the best possible recovery. I am committed to working side by side with our partners and working together with all Iowans as we face this challenge together and build an even better and stronger Iowa."
During the press conference, the Governor laid out the following specifics on Iowa’s disaster recovery efforts:
Creation of the “Rebuild Iowa” Commission
Governor Culver will issue Executive Order 7, which will establish the new “Rebuild Iowa” Commission.
The 15 member, bipartisan “Rebuild Iowa” Commission will be chaired by Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard Ron Dardis. The Commission will be charged with three specific tasks:
- The commission will report to the Office of the Governor and to the Legislature within 45 days of the first meeting. This report will include an assessment of the storms’ impact on the state – including our people, schools, businesses, and private and public infrastructure -- and recommend initial steps the legislative and executive branches can take to assist in recovery.
- The Commission will develop a comprehensive long-term vision for rebuilding a safer, stronger, and better Iowa. In doing so, the Commission is charged with reaching out to stakeholders at all levels of the private sector and government, and citizens of all walks of life, from all parts of the state. This innovative and inclusive process will be accompanied by recommendations for strategies to achieve that vision.
- The Commission will continue to advise on the state’s ongoing recovery efforts at the federal, state and local levels, and assess progress towards meeting the rebuilding vision.
The Commission will also be empowered to create and appoint ongoing task forces focused on specific issues, and, as necessary, develop further recommendations in these areas in order to support a strategic recovery process.
Creation of the “Rebuild Iowa” Office
Governor Culver’s Executive Order 7 will also establish the “Rebuild Iowa” office.
The Office will serve as the Administration’s primary recovery coordinator and clearinghouse. In this role, its duties will include:
- Coordinating the work of state agencies in responding to this year’s storms
- Maximizing federal assistance to the state
- Securing efficient delivery of state and federal resources to recovery efforts
- Ensuring that resources are being strategically applied toward rebuilding a stronger Iowa
- Supporting the work of the Rebuild Iowa Commission
Utilize Full Resources of State Agencies in Recovery Efforts
Governor Culver directed each state agency and department to prepare a report within 7 days on how their agencies have been impacted by flooding and tornadoes, and what their agencies can do to help Iowans who have been affected.
In addition, Governor Culver directed state agencies to reassess their already-approved FY09 budgets and begin taking the necessary steps to adjust them to meet Iowans’ storm-related needs and expenses.
Major General Ron Dardis is the Adjutant General for the Iowa National Guard, Johnston, Iowa. He is responsible for exercising command responsibilities and providing a force that is ready for mobilization. He provides command and control for 104 Army and Air National Guard Units and over 9,600 Army and Air National Guard members in the state of Iowa. The general began his military career by enlisting in the Iowa Air National Guard in March 1966
Since May 25th, when 8 Iowans lost their lives during the tornado that hit Parkersburg and New Hartford, Iowans have experienced one of the worst natural disasters in our nation’s history. In total, 17 Iowans have lost their lives. 86 counties have been declared state disaster areas – 70 of which have been covered by a Presidential Disaster Declaration. More than 38,000 Iowans were evacuated as a result of the flooding, and many homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed. In addition, Iowa’s agricultural sector has been severely impacted, with a projected $4 billion in damages.
However, throughout the disaster response, Iowans came together to help their friends and neighbors in need. 4,000 Iowan National Guard soldiers were mobilized to help defend and protect towns and cities across the state, and thousands of state employees were utilized to protect life and property. And countless Iowans worked tirelessly to protect their communities from rising waters.
“This is the real story of the 2008 disaster. It is not just flooding. It is not just the tornados. It is the people,” said Lt. Governor Judge. “It is the story of Iowa. People working hard and supporting each other with a sense of pride and optimism. And as we begin to turn our attention towards the future, we must never forget the tireless efforts of the countless Iowa Heroes who lifted us up during our darkest hour.”
“In hardship, the strength of our people has never been more evident,” said the Governor. “Rebuilding this great state will not be easy. We are at the beginning a process which will take years. But Iowans know hard work, and Iowans know patience. And so, as Governor of the state we all love, I want to thank the citizens who have come together, in the faith that our state will rebuild, and that our best days are ahead.”