Governor Branstad issues disaster proclamation for four counties

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad has received word that FEMA has approved his request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 19 counties impacted by severe weather in June.

The counties included in the declaration are: Allamakee, Appanoose, Butler, Clayton, Dallas, Davis, Des Moines, Guthrie, Howard, Jefferson, Lee, Lucas, Marion, Mitchell, Monroe, Warren, Wayne, Winneshiek and Wright.

The governor sent the request for a declaration on July 22, 2015, in response to significant damage that was caused by damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, hail and thunderstorms from June 20-25, 2015.

The declaration by the President will provide federal funding to the declared counties under the Public Assistance Program. A Presidential Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance puts into motion long-term federal recovery programs, some of which are matched by state programs, and designed to help public entities and select non-profits. Public Assistance funds may be used for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and may include debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair of damaged public property, loans needed by communities for essential government functions and grants for public schools.

The Governor also received notification that the Presidential Disaster Declaration includes funding to conduct hazard mitigation activities for the entire state. With this funding, Iowa will be able to minimize the impact of future disasters by taking steps now to strengthen existing infrastructure.

This is Iowa's first Presidential Disaster Declaration in 2015, and the 22nd Presidential Disaster Declaration Iowa has received since March 2007.

In addition, today Gov. Branstad issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Guthrie, Marion, Union and Warren counties. This is in response to the ongoing flooding and severe weather beginning July 26, 2015.

The governor's proclamation allows State resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of these storms. Today's proclamation also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Program for all four counties.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $40,180, for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.

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DAVENPORT, IA–Next week Waste Commission of Scott County will present information to Bettendorf and Davenport City Councils about proposed changes to the Scott Area Recycling Center and associated municipal recycling programs.

The Commission will present to Bettendorf City Council at 5 p.m. Aug. 3rd and to Davenport City Council at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 5th. During future meetings, councils are expected to consider formal resolutions in support of a plan to change from dual- to single-stream recycling. The plan was developed by the Commission and its partners in Scott County, including Bettendorf and Davenport.

"We`re excited about providing an easier, better way to recycle. Single-stream recycling will allow residents in Davenport and Bettendorf to recycle more materials in one container. Our community and our environment will reap great benefits from this change," said Kathy Morris, Commission Director.

Single-stream recycling will allow residents to recycle additional plastic items (#1-#7) and gable-top cartons, thereby keeping these valuable materials out of the Scott Area Landfill. Residents no longer will be required to sort paper items from containers, and all recyclables will be placed into one large recycling cart with wheels.

On July 14th, the Commission requested that the Scott County Board of Supervisors issue bonds on its behalf for facility and equipment changes. The Board approved a resolution relating to the issuance of the bonds July 30th.

The Commission and its partners started the first municipal recycling program in the Quad-Cities in 1995. Over the past 20 years, the Scott Area Recycling Center has recycled over 400 million pounds of cardboard, paper, plastic, metal and glass. The Commission anticipates that program changes will double the amount of material currently recycled at the facility each year.

Waste Commission of Scott County is an inter-governmental agency formed in 1972 whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. All Commission programs are funded by user fees paid at its facilities, and not through tax dollars.

For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to revise and increase its proposed volume obligations for renewable biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014, 2015, and 2016.

"The RFS has added value to agriculture markets and energized many rural economies across Iowa and the nation," Grassley wrote to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy.  "It has helped create hundreds of thousands of jobs while lowering prices for consumers at the pump while reducing emissions.  It has also increased our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

"Unfortunately, the EPA's proposal will undermine these efforts.  While I recognize the proposal is a modest improvement over the previous proposed rule, without significant improvements, the proposal will lead to job losses and will increase our dependence on foreign oil.  It will harm the development of next generation and cellulosic fuels and weaken efforts to build out renewable fuels infrastructure."

Grassley cited the success of the RFS in driving the development and use of alternative and advanced biofuels.  He wrote that as a result of this program, cellulosic biofuels are already being produced in Galva and Emmetsburg, Iowa, with construction under way at a third facility in Nevada, Iowa.  Grassley said the EPA is underestimating the available supply of renewable fuel and available infrastructure needed to meet statutory requirements.

"It's clear, based on this proposal, that the EPA continues to fall for Big Oil's argument that the infrastructure isn't in place to handle the fuel volumes required by law," Grassley wrote.  "This proposal rewards Big Oil's obstruction.  The fact is, the supply of renewable fuel is adequate to meet the statutory volumetric requirements, and the EPA is therefore required to hold firm on those levels and see that the obligated parties make the necessary adjustments to distribute the fuel to consumers.  Importantly, if the program had been implemented by EPA on time and consistent with congressional intent, private investments in distribution infrastructure would have already been made.  Regardless, now is not the time to put oil producers in charge of implementing the Renewable Fuel Standard."

Grassley submitted his letter as part of the formal comment process on the EPA's proposed rule that closed Monday.   The EPA intends to finalize the rule by Nov. 30.  Grassley's letter is available here.

In April, Grassley was a leader of a bipartisan group of senators in calling for a strong volume requirement for biofuels under the RFS.  The senators' letter is available here.

Earlier this month, Grassley led a bipartisan group of 36 senators in urging the EPA to increase the proposed volumes it set for biodiesel production under the RFS.  That letter is available here.

Rock Island, IL/August, 2015 - Living Lands & Waters' (LL&W) 2015 Barge Party is coming up Thursday, August 7th from 5:30pm-9:00pm!  This event serves as a thank you to sponsors and supporters for their continuous dedication to helping LL&W thrive.  The night's festivities start with a fish fry & shrimp boil, a silent art auction, a cash bar, a meet and greet with the crew, and a wine pull! Of course, it wouldn't be a true celebration without live music! This year's lineup includes two local acts; Justin Morrisey and The Dawn, as well as Memphis native, Mara Daniele.

Thursday, August 6th - 5:30PM-9:00PM

Schwiebert Riverfront Park - 1801 1st Avenue - Rock Island, IL

Tickets are now on sale at www.bargeparty.org!  Individual Tickets are $50 each.

Print your ticket or show your digital receipt at the check-in table! Seating is limited. Reservations required by July 31, 2015. Tables are no longer available for purchase.

Living Lands & Waters is still searching for artists to donate pieces for their silent art auction. To learn more, or to enter pieces, visit bargeparty.org.

Public parking is available on surrounding streets and lots, in the Modern Woodmen Lot, and in a Free Parking Garage located on 3rd Avenue and 17th downtown Rock Island. Handicap Parking is available on the entrance of the park.

About Living Lands & Waters - Chad Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters in 1998 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the beautification and restoration of America's major rivers and to the education of people about environmental issues. From his single boat beginning, LL&W has grown to an internationally known organization with a fleet of barges and workboats.  LL&W engages thousands of volunteers each year in river cleanups, hands-on environmental education workshops, the Great Mississippi River Cleanup, Adopt-a- River-Mile programs and the Million Trees Project.  

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