Governor Terry Branstad has asked the president to declare a major disaster declaration for Benton, Marshall, Story and Tama counties for the windstorm damage on July 10th. The windstorms caused widespread damage to trees and power lines and resulted in large amounts of debris in the four counties.
The governor’s request included this statement:
“The damage caused by this windstorm has been extensive in the four impacted counties. “While Iowans in these areas have been working hard to recover, the damage incurred to public infrastructure has been overwhelming. We need the assistance of the federal government to aid in the recovery. This is why I have requested that the President sign a Major Disaster Declaration for Iowa.”
If it’s granted, the disaster declaration would make the counties eligible for federal recovery programs. Public assistance funds may be used for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and may include debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair of damaged public property, loans needed by communities for essential government functions and grants for public schools.