State damage estimate for Presidential Disaster Declaration.

State damage estimate for Presidential Disaster Declaration.

The governor is asking for a presidential disaster declaration for 19 counties hit by storms and flooding in September.

The governor’s request for the damage done between September 21st and 23rd is for public infrastructure only.

Information from the governor’s office says the damage assessment showed the number of uninsured homes that suffered major damage or were destroyed fell far below the FEMA threshold to request funding for the Individual Assistance Program, so individuals will not be able to seek federal aid to help recover.

The Small Business Administration has granted a disaster declaration, to make low-interest loans available to impacted residents and businesses in Black Hawk, Bremer, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Floyd, Franklin, Grundy, and Hardin counties. The governor’s office also says the governor is creating a flood recovery task force to address the unmet needs of impacted residents. The task force, which is comprised of state and local agencies, will focus on working with communities to develop long-term housing recovery options.

The counties included in the federal disaster declaration request are: Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Des Moines, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Howard, Linn, Mitchell, Winneshiek and Wright. Damage was estimated at $22 million.