Two Months Since Parkersburg, New Hartford Tornado: Two Months of Recovery
Release Date: July 25, 2008
Release Number: 1763-115
» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Today marks two months since a tornado ripped through Parkersburg and New Hartford, forever changing the lives and landscapes of those towns.
Following are some facts and figures on the state and federal response to that disaster.
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Federal help since the May 27 disaster declaration includes the distribution of tools and equipment, and loaning a mobile command vehicle to AmeriCorps (a voluntary agency funded by the federal government) for disaster response efforts in Butler County.
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There were 603 visits to the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in New Hartford - this, in spite of opening, then closing because a levee broke and flooded the facility. Nearly 1,500 visits were recorded at the DRC FEMA opened in Parkersburg.
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As of Wednesday (July 23) nearly 840 individuals affected by the May 25th tornado in Butler County have applied for federal assistance.
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Grants for housing and other disaster-related assistance are continually being approved for and distributed to eligible individuals and households.
- An estimated $1.6 million in such grants have been distributed to Butler County residents affected by the tornado.
Public Assistance Program
Public Assistance - the public infrastructure side of disaster help - is aiding Butler County and its jurisdictions to get back on their feet.
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More than 137,000 cubic yards of debris were removed from towns in Butler County hit by the May 25th tornado.
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Some 18 Requests for Assistance have been submitted by officials from Butler County and its jurisdictions. It is estimated that the requests will generate about 144 project worksheets.
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A $4.2 million federal grant for debris removal has already been obligated for Parkersburg.
Businesses are rebuilding, some have reopened. Parkersburg Lumber opened its doors for business more than three weeks ago; Kwik Star convenience store and gas station is currently being rebuilt and will reopen the end of September.
The road to recovery will be long, but with resolve, resilience and hope, the people of Parkersburg and New Hartford are rebuilding anew; they are laying foundations for bigger homes and businesses, building stronger farm silos, safer public buildings - paving the way to a brighter future.
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, 25-Jul-2008 11:10:34