Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission Completes Two-day Work Session
Commissioners review task force reports, discuss themes and recommendations to develop initial report for Governor Culver
(URBANDALE) — Shortly after noon Tuesday, the Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission wrapped up a two-day work session, bringing the group one step closer to finalizing its initial report to Governor Chet Culver, and to Iowans.
“The commissioners recognize that there is a sense of urgency to the work we have undertaken. As we move forward in establishing priorities and making recommendations to the Governor, we must be mindful of the responsibility we have to all Iowans,” said Iowa National Guard Major General Ron Dardis, chairman of the Commission.
RIAC was charged with developing the 45-day report to assess damages caused by this year’s tornadoes, storms and flooding, and to outline initial recovery effort steps. The report will be delivered to Governor Culver on Sept. 2, 2008, and will be made available to the public through the Rebuild Iowa Office (online at www.rio.iowa.gov or by calling (515) 242-5004).
Commissioners reviewed the reports of nine task forces that met and sought out public input over the past six weeks. On Tuesday, they focused their discussion on the results of the task forces’ work and what immediate recommendations should be made in the report to Governor Culver.
Housing, small business assistance, public health, floodplain mapping and funding topped the list. Also of primary concern to the commissioners was ensuring individuals receive the assistance they need, with several members frequently examining how the broader issues have and will affect people directly. Commissioners reflected that concern in another recommendation: to provide comprehensive case management services to those needing assistance.
RIAC is a 15-person, bipartisan commission whose members chair nine task forces focused on specific issues. The Commission reports to Lt. Governor Patty Judge, who is executive director of the Rebuild Iowa Office, which coordinates all state recovery activities. Major General Dardis of the Iowa National Guard serves as the Commission's chairman. The Commission, Rebuild Iowa Office and the nine task forces were established by the Governor’s Executive Order 7.