Governor Branstad issues Disaster Proclamation for 13 counties

State of Iowa Seal

(DES MOINES) – Governor Terry E. Branstad today issued a proclamation of disaster emergency in response to recent storms and flooding in northwest and central Iowa. Thirteen counties are included in this proclamation: Buena Vista, Butler, Cherokee, Floyd, Ida, Iowa, Jasper, Mahaska, Marshall, Plymouth, Sioux, Tama and Wright.

The Governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of these storms, including the removal of debris and wreckage on publicly or privately owned property that may threaten public health and safety.

This proclamation of disaster emergency also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Program in eleven of the counties: Buena Vista, Butler, Cherokee, Floyd, Iowa, Jasper, Marshall, Plymouth, Sioux, Tama and Wright.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $39,060, for a family of three.

Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available at the “Disaster Assistance” link on the Iowa Department of Human Services website: www.dhs.iowa.gov. Applications must be received within 45 days of the date of proclamation, May 28, 2013.

The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division leads, coordinates and supports homeland security and emergency management functions in order to establish sustainable communities and ensure economic opportunities for Iowa and its citizens.