Iowa Governor Chet Culver spoke with President Bush this morning as the Governor toured tornado-damaged Butler County. Culver says the state is working tirelessly to get as much federal assistance as possible, and the president indicated he will do what he can to expedite the process, especially for Butler County. Culver says they haven’t put a price tag on the damage to homes and businesses.
Culver says it’s too early to tell, but it will likely be in the millions of dollars with all the homes and businesses that were destroyed, which is why they are able to expedite the assistance. The Governor says efforts are under way to see that everyone who lost their home gets a place to stay. He says the local emergency management coordinators are helping people get shelter and there is some aid available for long-term assistance.
Culver says the Salvation Army, Red Cross and private businesses are coming together to help those in need. Six people died in the storm in Parkersburg and New Hartford. The Governor declared Butler, Bremer and Buchanan counties state disaster areas. Culver made his comments in an interview with Radio Iowa.