Iowa Residents Get Disaster Funding for Tornadoes, Flooding

WASHINGTON, DC, May 28, 2004 (ENS) - Federal disaster funds have been authorized by President George W. Bush to help meet the recovery needs of Iowa families and businesses hit by tornadoes, floods and severe storms last weekend. The declaration covers damage to private property from the extreme weather conditions that began May 19.

Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack received notification that residents in 41 Iowa counties are eligible to apply for assistance for damages from flooding and severe storms that began on May 19.

Iowa residents are cleaning up from widespread flooding and a wave of tornadoes that swept through over the weekend, killing at least one person and damaging nearly 50 homes.

Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response Michael Brown said the assistance, to be coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious expenses related to the disaster. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

In addition, Brown said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in the same counties to pay 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the disaster, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government.

The declaration also makes cost shared funding available for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.

Brown said that more counties and additional forms of assistance for state and local government agencies may be designated later based on the results of further damage assessments.

Thomas Costello of FEMA will coordinate the Iowa relief. Costello said those who sustained losses in the counties designated for aid can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-3362, or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available from 8 am to 6 pm seven days a week until further notice.