"This is welcome news for Parkersburg.  This town was the beginning of the heartache for Iowans.  To see the residents of Parkersburg start to rebuild and move forward is gratifying and a great example for the rest of Iowa as they begin their own clean-up," Grassley said. 

"The Parkersburg community suffered the first blow in the many natural disasters tearing through our state. I am thankful that they are getting urgently needed resources to clean-up the tornado's massive damage," said Harkin. "We will continue to work to get all of our affected communities the federal support necessary for recovery and rebuilding efforts."

"Iowans have demonstrated courage and resilience in the aftermath of the tornado and the floods," Braley said.    "As Iowa communities begin the process of recovering from tornado and flood damage, it's important that the government provides financial support to help rebuild our communities.  We will continue working to ensure that affected communities get the help they need." 

According to FEMA, the grant provides reimbursement funding for the pick-up, removal and disposal of demolition, construction and vegetative debris from the tornado.  More than 500 homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed.  The total amount of the contract is $5.5 million.  The $4.1 million is the federal government's share of the total cost of the debris removal.

Harkin, Grassley and Braley will be holding a town meeting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 in Parkersburg to talk with residents.  The meeting will be held in the First Congregational Church at 401 3rd Street.