Pushes for Help in Benton, Marshall, Story and Tama Counties
Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) and the IowaHouse delegation sent a letter to President Obama urging him to provide disaster assistance to Iowa following the severe storms earlier this month in Benton, Marshall, Story and Tama counties.
"These storms severely damaged Iowa schools, hospitals, fire stations and electricity and communications infrastructure," said Rep. Braley. "I strongly urge the President to provide assistance to help Iowa's families, communities, and businesses rebuild as quickly as possible."
A copy of the letter is available here and pasted below: http://go.usa.gov/Kcj
The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
As you know, Governor Terry Branstad has requested that you declare a major disaster for the Iowa counties of Benton, Marshall, Story and Tama. These counties were significantly impacted by severe weather earlier this month, which resulted in significant infrastructure and property damage.
The severe storms began on July 9, triggering a chain of damage-causing events, lasting through July 10, when 100 MPH winds caused the damage in the counties noted above. Thereafter, on July 13th, heavy rainfall caused flooding in other counties (Dickinson and Clay), causing road closures, and extensive property damage. Again, on July 15th, severe storms caused flash floods in Cerro Gordo, Floyd and Worth Counties. Finally, on July 22, severe storms caused significant damage in Black Hawk, Butler, Grundy, Hardin, Jasper, Marion and Poweshiek Counties.
The toll from these storms includes damage to local schools, hospitals, emergency communications facilities and fire stations. Moreover, electrical utility infrastructure damage remains a major concern over a broad area, as is the case for telecommunications infrastructure, agriculture infrastructure (including crop damage & livestock losses) and municipal water pumping stations.
Given the scope of the damage and losses in Iowa at this time, and the potential for realization of further losses, we strongly urge you to grant Governor Branstad's request for assistance under the Stafford Assistance Act.
Sincerely,
Bruce Braley
Leonard Boswell
Dave Loebsack
Tom Latham
Steve King
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