The Online Office of Congressman Bruce Braley - $2.65 Billion Flood Relief Package passes House

$2.65 Billion Flood Relief Package passes House

Washington, DC - This evening, as part of an emergency war funding bill, the US House of Representatives passed a $2.65 billion dollar flood relief package to aid people and businesses impacted by flooding in Iowa and the Midwest.

Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) released the following statement:

"The floods of 2008 have affected nearly everyone in Iowa. The scope of the damage to Iowans' homes, lives, property, crops and livelihoods almost defies description. This unprecedented disaster demands special action to help the people of Iowa rebuild. When things get tough in Iowa, Iowans come together and help one another. I'm thankful that the House came together to pass this legislation which will help people and businesses in Iowa recover from the devastating floods."

The breakdown of funding in the emergency supplemental for flood disaster relief is as follows:

Federal Agency/Program	Funding Amount in Flood Relief Package
FEMA Disaster Relief Account	$897,000,000
Army Corps of Engineers	$606,000,000
SBA - Disaster Loans	$267,000,000
Agriculture Assistance	$480,000,000
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)	$300,000,000
Economic Development Administration (EDA)	$100,000,000
TOTAL	$2,650,000,000

•· The Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding will be used to help fund infrastructure rebuilding, ensuring that infrastructure repair needs in the aftermath of the floods are addressed.

•· Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) work to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses.