Governor Branstad issues disaster proclamation for five eastern Iowa counties

Heavy rain has impacted Mahaska County during the past week.

(DES MOINES) – Governor Terry E. Branstad today issued a proclamation activating the Iowa Individual Assistance Program for five counties in eastern Iowa in the wake of recent storms and flooding.

Counties included in the proclamation are Cedar, Johnson, Mahaska, Scott, and Washington. Beginning April 17, heavy rains, thunderstorms and flooding caused significant damage to private property.

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.

A copy of the proclamation of disaster emergency will be posted later today at www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov.

With that, Mahaska County Emergency Manager has posted information on how citizens can get help. http://www.mahaskaready.com/Disaster_Information.html