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Senate Update: Storms create emergencies in Eastern Iowa
by Bob Dvorsky, State Senator · Op-Ed · July 11, 2014
Because of bad weather throughout June, the Governor has already proclaimed disaster emergencies in 48 counties, including Cedar, Johnson and Muscatine.
This proclamation allows state resources to be used to respond to and recover from the storms.
Cedar, Johnson and Muscatine are also among 25 counties in which the proclamation has activated the Iowa Individual Assistance Program. More counties may be added to this list as damage is assessed.
The Individual Assistance Program provides up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
That works out to a maximum annual income of $39,580 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.
Applications and instructions are available through the Iowa Department of Human Services at http://dhs.iowa.gov/disaster-assistance-programs.
If you are impacted by storms or flooding in Iowa and have questions, contact the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985.
Many of our state parks have seen some damage in recent weeks because of strong winds and flooding. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), staff is clearing downed limbs, cleaning up and making repairs. A few state parks are closed or partially closed. For the latest information, go to www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on the Closure Information link on the left.
The latest update from the DNR showed that Lake Macbride State Park in Johnson County is in the process of restoring its electricity. The Coralville Reservoir is high and within inches of back-flowing into Lake Macbride. If it does, it could impact the Lake Macbride beach, concession and some trails.
Most of the campsites at Fairport State Recreation Area in Muscatine County are flooded from the Mississippi River.
The campsites not flooded are currently filled with campers. Fairport will be removed from the reservation system until floodwater recedes and all campsites are available. Trails at nearby Wildcat Den will likely have some damage.
To contact Senator Dvorsky during the week, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise he can be reached at home at 319-351-0988. E-mail him at bob.dvorsky@legis.iowa.gov.
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