SOUTHEAST IOWA -- There's some good news for federal help in Southeast Iowa.

President Obama has declared Lee and Des Moines Counties as disaster areas from the storms that ripped through May 12th and 13th.

That means money be available through public entities and certain nonprofit agencies.

Story continued below...
_______________________________________________________________

 
_______________________________________________________________

Here's the full news release from Governor Chet Culver's office:

Des Moines and Lee Counties Receive Presidential Disaster Declaration

Governor Chet Culver today received notification that President Obama has authorized a Presidential Disaster Declaration for two counties impacted by severe storms and flooding that occurred May 12-13, 2010.

The declaration by the President will provide federal funding to Des Moines and Lee counties under the Public Assistance Program. Public Assistance program funds are available to public entities and select nonprofit agencies to rebuild damaged infrastructure that may include roads, bridges, culverts, and other public facilities, or to cover costs of emergency work during the storms.

“I am pleased to see the Presidential Disaster Declaration for Des Moines and Lee counties come through,” Culver said. “We have had great cooperation with the Obama administration and our members of Congress when it comes to getting Iowans the resources we will need to recover from recent severe weather and floods.”

The Governor also received notification that the Presidential Disaster Declaration includes funding to conduct hazard mitigation activities for the entire state. With this funding, Iowa will be able to minimize the impact of future natural disasters by taking steps now to strengthen existing infrastructure.

On July 7, Governor Culver requested a disaster declaration for 35 counties impacted by flooding and storms beginning June 1, 2010. Additional counties may be added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration request following the assessment of damages that resulted from the most recent storms and flooding. Damage assessments are scheduled to be completed by Aug. 1. That request is pending.