Press Release Archive
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Governor Culver Activates State Agencies To Respond To Flooding
Many areas of the state inundated after days of heavy rains
(DES MOINES) - Governor Chet Culver has directed state agencies to take all steps necessary to protect Iowans and support local responders. The Governor gave the directive as National Weather Service forecasts indicated widespread flooding across the state.
"Today, Iowans are experiencing some of the worst flooding our state has seen in more than a decade," said Governor Culver. "This is a very serious situation and I encourage Iowans to use caution as these flood waters move through our state. Though the situation looks bad, Iowans must remember that we have taken many steps in recent years to lessen the effects of flooding by raising levees and converting areas prone to flooding to parks. But no matter what, state government will continue to do whatever is necessary to help those affected and return life to normal."
The Governor has activated the State Emergency Operations Center, which will serve as a central site where state agencies can coordinate their activity. The state will be working with local responders and private partners at major flood points to help identify key infrastructure items like water treatment plants, and ensure that protective steps are taken.
The Governor has established 31 counties under a Governor’s Emergency Proclamation. This allows state resources to be used at no cost to local governments. The counties are: Butler, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque, Fremont, Marion, Johnson, Humboldt, Montgomery, Page, Union, Worth, Franklin, Story, Marshall, Winneshiek, Hardin, Benton, Floyd, Cerro Gordo, Jasper, Chickasaw, Webster, Tama, Boone, Adams, Crawford, Dallas, Clarke, and Polk.
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.
Additionally, Federal agencies have been contacted and are ready to supply sandbags, pumps and other resources.
Steps for the public to take:
Governor Culver asked Iowans to monitor the weather closely. He asked them to be aware of the latest watches and warnings as they are issued. He also asked them to monitor the Iowa Department of Transportation web site for the latest road closure information, http://iowadot.gov/floods/index.html for the specific missions state agencies are carrying out.
Below is a list of specific situations being addressed by state agencies:
Mason City:
• A state team will help Mason City public works assess conditions at the city’s water treatment plant and help to bring the plant back into operation as quickly as possible.
• State resources will be used to ensure city residents have an adequate supply of potable water.
• Supporting and assisting with staffing and resources for local shelters will be an ongoing mission in Mason City and around the state.
Iowa City
• Over 42,000 sandbags and 4 pumps have been deployed to the Iowa City area.
• The Iowa National Guard and other state agencies are continuing to monitor the situation.
• State resources are assisting with sand bag operations in a total of 15 Iowa counties.
New Hartford
• This afternoon, a water retention dam was topped, affecting approximately 300 residents.
• 21,000 sandbags had been sent to the community previously.
• The Iowa Department of Transportation is working with local officials on traffic control.
• In addition, efforts are under way to set up a shelter.
To assist those who have been displaced, shelters have been opened in the following places:
• City High School in Iowa City
• Mason City Holy Family Catholic Church
• Four Mile Park and Recreation Center in Polk County
• Decorah Luther Church in Decorah
• Colfax Senior Center in Jasper County
• New Hartford Elementary in Butler County
• Inman Elementary in Red Oak