Ernst Statement on Federal Disaster Funding for Iowa Flooding in September and October

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) today released a statement after President Obama issued a federal disaster declaration for 19 counties in the State of Iowa, following the high winds, severe thunderstorms, heavy rains, hail, and flash flooding that resulted in riverine flooding in Iowa between September 21 and October 3, 2016. This comes following a letter of support sent by the Iowa delegation to the President for a major disaster declaration after Governor Branstad’s request.

“I am glad President Obama fulfilled Governor Branstad’s request and issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Iowa following the devastating storms and flooding many of our eastern Iowa counties suffered in September and October,” said Senator Ernst.

“However, it is imperative that the Army Corps of Engineers complete flood mitigation projects in Eastern Iowa to help prevent damage from these storms in the future and to avoid the continued need for emergency assistance,” continued Ernst. “Unfortunately, tapping into federal emergency funds has become routine rather than investing in fixing the levees to help protect our communities. I will continue to stress the urgent need for prioritization of this project until the Corps completes the Cedar Rapids flood mitigation projects, as called for under our provisions included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2016.”

The federal disaster declaration will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Des Moines, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Howard, Linn, Mitchell, Winneshiek, and Wright Counties, and all areas in Iowa will be eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

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