Federal Assistance Approved For More Iowa Counties
Release Date: August 10, 1999
Release Number: 1282-37
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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Linn, Pottawattamie, and Story counties have been added to President Clinton's July 22 disaster declaration for Iowa. This brings the number of Iowa counties eligible for federal aid to 18. Those counties are Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Clayton, Crawford, Fayette, Floyd, Howard, Jones, Linn, Mitchell, Pottawattamie, Story, Woodbury, and Worth.
Linn, Pottawattamie, and Story counties are now designated eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program. Curt Musgrave, federal coordinating officer for FEMA said that this amendment means homeowners, renters, farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers, and businesses in these counties may apply for a variety of programs. The assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, minor home repairs, and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
"Iowa residents who sustained damage from this violent weather should register for assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free number," said State Coordinating Officer Steve Zimmerman. The number is 1-800-462-9029. TTY service is available at 1-800-462-7585 for anyone who is hearing- or speech-impaired. The registration numbers are available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until further notice.
Buchanan, Jones, and Story counties were also designated eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance program. Under this program, federal funds are made available for the state and affected local governments in the designated jurisdictions to pay 75 percent of the eligible cost for debris removal,emergency services related to the disaster, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities.
Disaster assistance also may be provided to repair, restore, or replace facilities owned by certain private nonprofit organizations that operate and maintain educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care or other essential governmental service facilities.
The first step toward providing assistance to communites would be an applicant's briefing for local officials and certain nonprofit organizations. The Iowa Emergency Management Division (IEMD) will conduct these briefings. Dates and times will be announced.
According to FEMA officials, 75 percent of the costs of eligible approved projects will be reimbursed by federal funds. The State of Iowa will pay 10 percent and the applicant the remaining 15 percent.
Last Modified: Monday, 15-Dec-2003 10:36:57