(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today that they will hold a two-hour public meeting on the severe dry and D1 Drought conditions that have plagued Iowa this summer. The event will be held Tuesday morning at the Mt. Pleasant High School gymnasium, and members of the public are encouraged and welcome to attend.

The public meeting will feature officials from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the USDA. Outside expert testimony will feature agricultural groups and environmental experts.

The discussion will include the latest information and tracking metrics, how coordination is being handled between the state and federal levels, and potential action steps that may be taken in order to ensure Iowa's needs are met. The public is invited to share their thoughts and concerns.

Details of the meeting are as follows:

Tuesday, July 18, 2012

9 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold public meeting on dry and D1 Drought conditions

Mt. Pleasant High School  gymnasium

2104 South Grand Avenue

Mount Pleasant, IA

Speaker registration now open for hearings in Philadelphia and Sacramento, Calif.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold two public hearings on the proposed updates to the national air quality standards for fine particle pollution (PM2.5). A federal court ruling required EPA to update the standards based on best available science. The proposed updates, which meet that requirement, build on steps already taken by EPA to reduce pollution in communities across the country.

WHAT: Public hearings on proposed updates to national air quality standards for fine particle pollution.

WHEN: July 17, 2012 (Philadelphia) 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. EDT   
July 19, 2012 (Sacramento) 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. PDT

WHERE: July 17, Philadelphia

William J. Green Federal Building
600 Arch Street
Philadelphia, Pa. 19106

July 19, Sacramento, Calif.

California Air Resources Board
1001 "I" Street
Sacramento, Calif. 95814

To register to speak at the hearings, contact Alan Rush at rush.alan@epa.gov or 202-564-1658. Members of the public also may register in person at the hearing and will be accommodated as time allows. EPA also will accept written comments on the proposed standards until Aug. 31, 2012. EPA will issue the final standards by December 14, 2012.

Note: Please bring picture identification and allow additional time to enter the buildings and go through security.

More information on the hearings and instructions for submitting written comments: http://www.epa.gov/pm/actions.html

Story by Jonathon Kirkham, Illinois National Guard Command Historian Intern

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/02/2012)(readMedia)-- Today commemorates the 19th anniversary of the Great Flood of 1993, which lead to Operation Wave Rider, the largest state active duty mission in the history of the Illinois National Guard. More than 7,000 Soldiers and Airmen were activated after heavy rains led to record flooding of the Mississippi, Illinois, Rock, Sangamon and Wabash rivers.

On July 1, Illinois Governor Jim Edgar alerted Maj. Gen. Donald Lynn, The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard to prepare for a potential flood mission. Three days later, Lynn activated units for Operation Wave Rider.

Soldiers and Airmen provided support to 44 counties declared natural disaster areas by state and federal officials. Operations included security, levee maintenance and repair, sandbagging, search and rescue, water distribution, medical assistance and aviation support.

Despite the extensive damage, Soldiers and Airmen proved valuable assistance to the disaster relief and cleanup resulting in zero loss of life. By Dec. 1, only 33 Guardsmen remained in the hardest hit areas to provide additional security.

New Law Creates Natural Disaster Homestead Exemption to Provide Property Tax Relief to Families Hit by Tornado

CHICAGO - June 28, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed two new laws to strengthen state recovery efforts in Harrisburg and support economic growth in Southern Illinois. House Bill 4242 creates a new Natural Disaster Homestead Exemption, which will provide much-needed tax relief for families who are rebuilding their homes after a wide-spread natural disaster. The new law is designed to aid families by allowing them to apply for a property tax exemption that is equal to the current value of their homes minus the value of the home when the disaster occurred.

"After a natural disaster, families need all the help we can give them, and we will continue to aid the people of Southern Illinois in their recovery" said Governor Quinn. "While nothing can replace what they lost, a break on their property taxes will relieve the financial burden of rebuilding their homes and their lives."

House Bill 4242, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) and Sen. Gary Forby (D-Benton), continues the state's efforts to aid Southern Illinois' recovery following a deadly Feb. 29 tornado that devastated the area. Governor Quinn directed state officials to provide aid and assistance to homeowners and businesses in their recovery. Although the Governor's requests for federal assistance were denied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration approved a request for a disaster declaration. The declaration made low-interest loans available to homeowners, renters and businesses in nine Southern Illinois counties.

Under the new law, each county's chief assessor will establish the rules, timeframes and application deadlines for applying for the Natural Disaster Homestead Exemption. The new law creates two standards that applicants must meet in order to qualify for the exemption. First, the residential structure must be rebuilt within two years after the date of the natural disaster. Second, the square footage of the rebuilt residential structure may not be more than 110 percent of the square footage of the original residential structure as it existed immediately prior to the natural disaster. The exemption will remain valid for as long as that family lives in the house. If the property is sold or transferred, the exemption becomes invalid. The law goes into effect immediately.

Governor Quinn also signed House Bill 4445, sponsored by Rep. David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) and Sen. Dale Righter (R-Charleston), to continue efforts to grow the economy of downstate Illinois. The new law expands the Southeastern Illinois Economic Development Authority to include 27 members, an increase of the authority's current 10 member body. The authority promotes industrial, commercial and residential development, as well as transportation and other services in Southeastern Illinois. The new law goes into effect immediately.