Iowa Congressional Delegation Adds Support for Disaster Declaration Request

WASHINGTON— Led by Sen. Chuck Grassley, all members of the Iowa congressional delegation have added their support for Gov. Terry Branstad’s request for a federal declaration of a major disaster for the state as a result of severe weather during that occurred during the period of June 20, 2015 and June 25, 2015.  The letter was signed by Grassley, Sen. Joni Ernst, and Reps. Steve King, Dave Loebsack, Rod Blum and David Young.

“The Governor determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments to handle effectively and federal assistance is needed,” the members wrote. 

Severe weather that produced damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, hail and thunderstorms resulting in flooding impacted 19 counties.

The counties included in the request for Public Assistance were: Allamakee, Appanoose, Butler, Clayton, Dallas, Davis, Des Moines, Guthrie, Howard, Jefferson, Lee, Lucas, Marion, Mitchell, Monroe, Warren, Wayne, Winneshiek, and Wright.

The text of the letter is below. A signed copy of the letter can be found here.

July 23, 2015

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We respectfully ask that you grant the request made by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for a declaration of a major disaster for the State of Iowa as a result of severe weather that produced damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, hail, and thunderstorms resulting in flooding beginning on June 20, 2015, and ending June 25, 2015.  The counties of Allamakee, Appanoose, Butler, Clayton, Dallas, Davis, Des Moines, Guthrie, Howard, Jefferson, Lee, Lucas, Marion, Mitchell, Monroe, Warren, Wayne, Winneshiek, and Wright meet the estimated requirements for Public Assistance.

The Governor determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments to handle effectively and federal assistance is needed. 

Thank you for your prompt consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

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