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Gov. Culver: Calls On Federal Government To Assist Iowans In Flood Recovery
6/18/2008

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Governor Chet Culver * Lt. Governor Patty Judge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2008

Contact: Troy Price
(515) 281-0173

GOVERNOR CULVER CALLS ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO ASSIST IOWANS IN FLOOD RECOVERY

JOHNSTON - Today, Governor Chet Culver called on the Federal Government to approve three requests which will help Iowans as they begin to recover from this year's severe weather. The Governor made the requests earlier this week as flood waters continued to inundate many parts of the state.

"As Governor, I am committed to doing whatever it takes to help rebuild our state," said Governor Culver. "Over the past three weeks, I have seen the strength and resilience of Iowans first hand. I know we can meet the challenges that this year's severe weather has created, but we can't do it alone. That is why I have made these requests to the Federal Government, and it is my hope that they will expedite their approval. With a coordinated effort on the local, state and federal levels, I know we can rebuild the Great State of Iowa - stronger and better than before."

The first request from the Governor asked the Federal government to cover 100% of the costs associated with debris removal and emergency response activities associated with the flooding. Traditionally, these costs are shared between federal, state, and local governments, with 75% covered by the federal government and the remaining costs split 10% state and 15% local. Governor Culver made this request due to the magnitude of the flooding disaster, the tremendous costs associated with both response and recover, and the outstanding work by local and state responders to protect Iowans and their property. The Governor requested a 60 day waiver on these costs.

In addition, Governor Culver requested a $17 million National Emergency Grant through the U.S. Department of Labor to assist with putting unemployed Iowans back to work rebuilding the state's public facilities, infrastructure and parks. This grant would provide quality wages for individuals who have lost their jobs due to the natural disasters. Each individual is eligible to receive up to $12,000 in wages for participating in the clean-up efforts and the wages are paid at a rate that significantly exceeds unemployment insurance compensation rates. In 1993, over $25 million in federal funding provided necessary wages for Iowa's restoration efforts.

Finally, Governor Culver asked the federal government to expand the Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance program to Iowans in all 83 counties declared disaster areas by the Governor. The program will make unemployment benefits available to individuals who would not normally be eligible if they have lost their jobs due to flood waters or severe weather. To date, the program is only available in the following counties: Adams, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Delaware, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Louisa, Marion, Muscatine, Page, Polk, Story, Tama, Union, and Winneshiek. Governor Culver's request would expand this to all 83 counties considered state disaster areas.


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