WASHINGTON DC (March 22, 2019) — Representative Dave Loebsack today asked the President to grant the request made by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for a declaration of a major disaster for a total of 57 Iowa counties in response to the recent widespread flooding.
In his letter, Rep Loebsack wrote that Gov Reynolds has “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.”
Severe weather caused by a “bomb cyclone” combined with snow-melt led to significant flooding with damage to public infrastructure and private property. Three of the 57 counties included in this request for public assistance are located in Iowa’s Second District, including Decatur, Jasper, and Mahaska. A presidential declaration of a major disaster is necessary to trigger release of federal funds for assistance.
The text of the letter to President Donald Trump is available HERE.
