21 Jun 2013

Governor Branstad requests Presidential Disaster Declaration

By Randy Stalsberg

Branstad also activates Iowa Individual Assistance Program for two counties

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed a letter to be delivered to President Obama requesting a Presidential Disaster declaration for 47 Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rains and thunderstorms resulting in severe flooding beginning May 19 and continuing through June 23, 2013.

The governor is making the request for federal Public Assistance Program funding for the counties of Appanoose, Benton, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Butler, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clay, Clayton, Crawford, Davis, Delaware, Des Moines, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Greene, Grundy, Hardin, Henry, Ida, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lyon, Mahaska, Marshall, Mitchell, Monona, Monroe, O'Brien, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Poweshiek, Sac, Sioux, Story, Tama, Wapello, Webster, Winnebago and Wright.

A joint federal, state and local preliminary damage assessment of the 47 counties found severe weather caused an estimated $22 million worth of damage that could be eligible under the Public Assistance Program. Public Assistance funds may be used to rebuild damaged infrastructure that may include roads, bridges, culverts and other public facilities, or to cover costs of emergency work during, and debris removal after the storms.

Iowa Individual Assistance Program activated in two counties

 

In addition to requesting the Presidential Disaster Declaration, Gov. Branstad also activated the Iowa Individual Assistance Program in Lee and Webster counties.

The Governor originally declared the counties disaster counties on June 7. Both proclamations are a result of storms and flooding that began in the state on May 19.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 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 at the "Disaster Assistance" link on the Iowa Department of Human Services website: www.dhs.iowa.gov.

 

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20 Jun 2013

Climate Change Threatens a National Treasure

By Heather Shelby
Thomas Jefferson's gardens at Monticello have a history as complicated as our country's own. But now they're experiencing something never before seen in their hundreds of years of meticulously recorded garden journals: the devastating effects of climate change.

Peter Hatch has spent the last 35 years of his life in those gardens, witnessing the new pests and extreme weather descending upon the historic property. He took the time to share his experiences with us?and we've created a slideshow to help share them with you.

Come visit Monticello's gardens with us, and see how a changing climate is putting them at risk.

Fruits, vegetables, and even trees aren't safe from these dangers which have never been seen in Monticello's centuries of existence. Will our own backyards be next?

Jefferson believed that recording and examining the past was the key to understanding the world around us. Now, the gardens he began at age 26 are giving us the opportunity to do just that.

I hope you'll visit our slideshow, and learn what a national treasure can tell us about our warming world.
14 Jun 2013

Loebsack Statement on the Fifth Anniversary of the Floods of 2008

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today marking the fifth anniversary of the Floods of 2008.

"As we look back today on the Great Flood of 2008, we remember the homes that were destroyed and the businesses that were lost. But we also think about the neighbors who helped neighbors; the strangers who showed up with a shovel to help dig out a basement; and the first responders who worked around the clock and ensured no lives were lost. We saw Iowans come together and prove just how resilient we are. The rising rivers that were recently seen across our state tested our preparations and showed just how far Iowans and our communities have come.  It was a powerful reminder from Mother Nature about living with the threat of floods.

"While we can't predict what future floods will bring, we have seen time and again the importance of our state and communities being prepared for the uncertainties life near our rivers brings.  Remembering the 2008 floods is important to help make sure that we remain prepared for anything year after year, and to be proud of the progress we've made even as work on our recovery continues today.  No Iowan will ever forget the Great Flood of 2008 and I will make sure no one in Washington ever does either"

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14 Jun 2013

Gov. Branstad issues proclamation of disaster emergency for Des Moines County

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) -- Governor Terry E. Branstad has issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for one additional county in response to recent storms and flooding.

The Governor issued a proclamation to activate the Iowa Individual Assistance Program in Des Moines County. A governor's proclamation of disaster emergency had been issued June 4 to make state resources available for disaster response in Des Moines County.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 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 at the "Disaster Assistance" link on the Iowa Department of Human Services website: www.dhs.iowa.gov.

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10 Jun 2013

Governor Branstad issues disaster proclamation for five counties

By Tim Albrecht

(DES MOINES) - Today, Gov. Terry E. Branstad issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for five additional counties in response to recent storms and flooding.

The governor declared a disaster in Appanoose, Lee, Muscatine, Wayne and Webster counties. In addition, the governor has activated the Iowa Individual Assistance Program in Fayette and Muscatine counties.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 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 at the "Disaster Assistance" link on the Iowa Department of Human Services website: www.dhs.iowa.gov.

For a list of counties that have received governor's proclamations in the aftermath of the storms and flooding that began May 19, visit www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov.

 

# # #
04 Jun 2013

Loebsack Statement After Tour of Flood Preparations with State, Local Officials

By Vonnie Hampel

Iowa City, IA - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after he joined Governor Branstad and other state and local officials to tour flood affected areas and the flood preparations that are underway in Johnson County.

"I am pleased that the Governor and Lt. Governor took the time to come and see firsthand the preparation the folks in Johnson County and at the University of Iowa have put in to help protect the area from damaging flooding.  While the area is not out of the woods yet, I am encouraged by the latest forecasts.  The hard work of the Johnson County Emergency Management team, University of Iowa, and the scores of volunteers demonstrates just how strong this community really is.

"I am also pleased that despite the dysfunction and partisan bickering that is all too common in Washington; Iowans can rise above it in a time of need.  I am proud to be a part of that work and will coordinate with the Governor, Army Corps of Engineers, the University, and local officials as the threat of flooding continues."

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03 Jun 2013

Branstad, Reynolds to tour flood-affected areas on Monday

By Office of the Governor of Iowa
(DES MOINES) - The Office of Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced they will join Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) Administrator Mark Schouten to survey flood damage in Eastern Iowa on Monday, June 3, 2013.

Branstad, Reynolds and Schouten will tour New Hartford before conducting an aerial survey of Eastern Iowa flood damage and holding a media availability in Iowa City.

The following events are open to the media (*all times are approximate and subject to change):

Monday, June 3, 2013

1:15 p.m.      Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and Administrator Schouten tour flood damage in New Hartford
Ridge Ave. and Highway 57, and residential areas of Saratoga Road
New Hartford, IA

2:15 p.m.      Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and Administrator Schouten conduct aerial survey of flood damage in Eastern Iowa

3:15 p.m.      Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and Administrator Schouten tour flood damage in Johnson County
Days Inn Motel - 205 2nd St/ Coralville Strip - Coralville, IA
Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories (IATL) - View Map<http://www.uiowa.edu/~maps/i/iatl1.htm> - Iowa City, IA

4:20 p.m.      Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and Administrator Schouten hold joint media availability with Johnson County officials.
Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories (IATL) - View Map<http://www.uiowa.edu/~maps/i/iatl1.htm>
Iowa City, IA

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03 Jun 2013

President Obama approves Branstad's request for Presidential Disaster Declaration

By Randy Stalsberg

Declaration provides federal relief for Iowans impacted by April's severe weather

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today received word that President Obama approved his request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 19 Iowa counties impacted by April's severe weather.

The counties included in the declaration are: Appanoose, Cedar, Clinton, Davis, Decatur, Des Moines, Iowa, Johnson, Keokuk, Lee, Lucas, Marion, Monroe, Muscatine, Ringgold, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren and Wayne.

The Governor sent the request for the declaration on May 22 in response to significant damage that was caused by heavy rains, thunderstorms and flooding in those counties during the period of April 17-30.

The declaration by the President will provide federal funding to the declared counties under the Public Assistance Program. A Presidential Major 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 natural disasters by taking steps now to strengthen existing infrastructure.

This Presidential Disaster Declaration is the 16th Major Presidential Disaster Declaration Iowa has received since March 2007.

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03 Jun 2013

Loebsack Welcomes Presidential Disaster Declaration

By Randy Stalsberg

Declaration covers damage from April storms and flooding

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today welcomed the disaster declaration by the President for 19 Iowa counties.  Last week, Loebsack lead the Iowa delegation in urging President Obama to approve Governor Terry Branstad's request for disaster assistance.  Now that the request has been approved, the counties are now eligible for Public Assistance.

"I am pleased the President took swift action to assist those affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred this spring," said Loebsack.  "As Iowans continue to brace for new possible flooding, it is important that our communities have the resources necessary to clean up, repair and replace damaged areas from the April storms and to take necessary steps to prevent further damage.  I will continue to work with Iowa families, businesses, and communities to ensure we recover from the earlier storms and that all necessary steps are taken to prepare for possible future flooding."

Specifically, the counties of Appanoose, Cedar, Clinton, Davis, Decatur, Des Moines, Iowa, Johnson, Keokuk, Lee, Lucas, Marion, Monroe, Muscatine, Ringgold, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren and Wayne were included in this declaration.

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03 Jun 2013

Joint Information Center Flood Update

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

Branstad declares six new counties disaster areas

 

(DES MOINES) - The office of Gov. Terry  E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, along with the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) and other state and federal agencies, are working closely with local emergency management agencies to assist communities in preparing for and responding to flooding.

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Johnston has been activated to enable agencies to coordinate response activities. A Joint Information Center has been established at the SEOC.

 

Governor Branstad issues disaster proclamation for six counties

Today, Governor Branstad issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for six additional counties in response to the recent storms and flooding.

The Governor declared a disaster in: Buchanan, Clay, Clayton, Greene, Henry and Story counties. In addition, the Governor activated the Iowa Individual Assistance Program for Buchanan, Clay, Henry and Story counties.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $39,060, 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 at the "Disaster Assistance" link on the Iowa Department of Human Services website: www.dhs.iowa.gov.  Applications must be received within 45 days of the date of proclamation.

Counties that had previously received Governor's proclamations are listed below.

 

State Response Summary

Governor's Office

o   Disaster Emergency Proclamations

  • Benton
  • Black Hawk*
  • Buchanan*
  • Buena Vista*
  • Butler*
  • Cherokee*
  • Clay*
  • Clayton
  • Delaware*
  • Floyd*
  • Greene
  • Grundy*
  • Henry*
  • Ida
  • Iowa*
  • Jasper*
  • Johnson*
  • Linn*
  • Louisa
  • Lyon
  • Mahaska
  • Marshall*
  • Mitchell*
  • Plymouth*
  • Poweshiek*
  • Sioux*
  • Story*
  • Tama*
  • Wapello*
  • Wright*
    * State Individual Assistance Program

 

o   The Office of Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today launched www.IowaFloodCentral.tumblr.com in conjunction with HSEMD to give Iowans a resource for up-to-date Iowa flood information. This is the first Tumblr established and utilized by the Iowa governor's office. Press releases regarding flood-affected counties will still be posted on the governor's website (governor.iowa.gov) and information regarding disaster readiness and assistance will still be available through HSEMD's website (homelandsecurity.iowa.gov). The Iowa Flood Central page will act as an information aggregator of flood-related content from Iowa state agencies, news reports and eyewitness accounts from Iowans wishing to submit pictures and videos of local flooding.

Homeland Security and Emergency Management

o Deployed pump resources to Benton, Butler, Cherokee, Jasper, Louisa, Mahaska, Marshall and Butler counties. 

o Traffic barricades to Buena Vista, Cherokee and Tama.

o Sandbags and poly to Benton, Louisa and Mitchell.

o Bottled water was delivered to New Sharon in Mahaska County and Galva in Ida County. The Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council coordinated the delivery of water to Galva with the Convoy of Hope.

o Sioux City Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)/Swift Water Rescue team is being staged in the Waterloo area so they are able to quickly respond to any needs in eastern Iowa. The Cedar Rapids USAR/Swift Water Rescue team is also on standby for quick response if needed.

o   To view actions that are being taken by state agencies in impacted counties, visit the HSEMD website at www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov.

 

Iowa National Guard

o The Iowa National Guard has sent two liaison officers to the Johnson County EOC. 

o   Incident Awareness Assessment teams are being sent to affected river basins in southeast Iowa to increase situational awareness.

 

Department of Transportation

o   Numerous road closures on state and local highways and roads.  For more information on road closures, visit www.511ia.org, or call 5-1-1 or 1-800-288-1047.

The Department is transporting flood-fighting resources to various locations in the state.

o   The Department is providing staging locations for resources.

 

Department of Human Services

o   The Department is administering the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program.  http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/Consumers/Assistance_Programs/CashAssistance/DisasterAssistance/StormHelp.html

Department of Natural Resources

o   Information on private wells during times of flooding can be found at http://www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/RegulatoryWater/PrivateWellProgram.aspx

o   The Department is actively monitoring water treatment and sewage treatment facilities.

o   Field staff is assisting in numerous counties.

Department of Public Health

o   The Department has established a website addressing health issues during flooding at http://www.idph.state.ia.us/EmergencyResponse/Flooding

Department of Corrections

o   The Department has provided inmate sandbagging assistance out of the Iowa Medical Classification Center.

o   Inmates will provide debris removal assistance in the City of Kellogg.

 

Department of Public Safety

o   The State Fire Marshal is providing building inspectors in Cherokee.

For more information 

www.IowaFloodCentral.tumblr.com

governor.iowa.gov

www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov

 

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