WASHINGTON - April 28, 2011 - Senator Chuck Grassley has asked the President to grant the request made by Governor Terry Branstad for a declaration of a major disaster in response to the tornadoes, high winds, heavy rain, large hail and thunderstorms that swept through Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Pocahontas and Sac counties on April 9 and 10.
In a letter of request sent today to President Barack Obama, Grassley said, "The Governor determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments to handle effectively and federal assistance is needed."
Grassley visited Mapleton and Early two weeks ago to see the tornado damage and talk with local residents about the recovery effort.
Here is the text of Grassley`s letter to the President:
April 28, 2011
The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I respectfully ask that you grant the request made by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for a declaration of a major disaster for the State of Iowa as a result of a severe weather system that produced tornadoes, high winds, heavy rain, large hail, and thunderstorms on April 9-10, 2011. The storms moved into Iowa and severely impacted Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Pocahontas, and Sac Counties.
The Governor determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments to handle effectively and federal assistance is needed.
Thank you for your prompt consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Grassley
United States Senator
