Cedar Rapids Debris Removal Assistance Exceeds $1 Million 

Release Date: August 8, 2008
Release Number: 1763-142

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DES MOINES, Iowa -- Today, Gov. Chet Culver and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that the city of Cedar Rapids will receive more than $1.1 million for removal of debris following the historic flooding that inundated large portions of the city in June.

"I am proud to join with FEMA in announcing this new grant for the people of Cedar Rapids," said Gov. Culver. "These dollars will allow this community to continue their recovery efforts, and be vital in helping to return life to normal for this Eastern Iowa community.  As Governor, I will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure that the citizens of Iowa have the resources they need.  By working together on the local, state, and federal levels, I am confident that we can rebuild Iowa and create a brighter, stronger future for everyone."

Removal of "catastrophic amounts of debris" from the Linn County city began on June 20, 2008, and the first pass was completed on July 3, 2008. During that time, 16,330 tons of ruined household goods and furnishings, damaged construction materials, vegetative debris, business, industrial, and hazardous waste, household chemicals, appliances and the like were collected and hauled to final disposal areas.

"Cedar Rapids is doing a tremendous job collecting the disaster debris so quickly," said Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Vogel of FEMA. State Coordinating Officer Pat Hall of the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division noted the benefits to public safety resulting from the city's work: "The people of Cedar Rapids are safer because the city is efficiently removing hazardous materials and dangerous debris."

FEMA's share, $1,133,836, represents 75% of the total cost of $1,511,781. The grant is part of FEMA's Public Assistance program, which provides financial assistance to state and federal governments and eligible non-profit organizations for disaster-related cleanup and rebuilding to pre-disaster condition. Iowa's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division administers the Public Assistance grant program funds.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Friday, 08-Aug-2008 12:46:46