Briefed by city and county officials on damage and recovery efforts
Dubuque, IA -Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) toured Dubuque and Jackson Counties to see flood damage these areas sustained from severe storms that occurred July 27-29, 2011.
Rep. Braley met with Dubuque City and County officials as he visited areas damaged by the floods last month. He received an update on the damage that occurred to city infrastructure including several bridges and the wastewater treatment facility in Dubuque. Additionally, he toured flood damage at the Swiss Valley Park & Campground and received an update on flood recovery efforts by local officials who are working on public infrastructure and potential buyouts of private residences. In Jackson County, Rep. Braley was briefed by county officials and toured county roads and bridges that sustained damage during the recent floods.
"As people in these communities continue rebuilding from these storms, I encourage them to contact my office for any help they may need," said Rep. Braley. "I know navigating through government red tape during a time of recovery is the last thing people want to worry about. I'm here to make sure that Iowans get the help they need."
Earlier this month, Rep. Braley led an Iowa House delegation letter to President Obama urging him to support Gov. Branstad's request to declare Dubuque and Jackson counties major disaster areas as a result of the severe storms and flooding that took place in these counties.
"Dubuque and Jackson suffered serious damage from the storms that occurred last month. These storms severely damaged Iowa schools, hospitals, fire stations and other infrastructure critical to these communities," said Rep. Braley. "I strongly urge President Obama to declare these counties disaster areas so they are eligible for the support they need in order to rebuild as quickly as possible."
As these communities begin to recover and rebuild, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has made low-interest disaster loans available to residents and business owners impacted by these storms and flooding. Disaster loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans of up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, and businesses and non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged property or other business assets.
###
