President Biden approves Major Disaster Declaration for Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Television Iowa Capitol Bureau) - President Biden has approved Governor Kim Reynolds’ request for a Major Disaster Declaration, the governor’s office confirmed Monday night.

It comes after strong storms impacted parts of the state beginning on June 16 and continuing.

The declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide assistance to Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth, and Sioux counties. Governor Reynolds says she will continue to request additional counties as more information is collected.

FIRST ALERT WEATHER

Homeowners, renters, and businesses in these counties can apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program to get help with housing, property replacement, medical expenses, and legal services.

Business owners and individuals in these counties can apply by calling 1-800-621-3362, or registering online. The helpline operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week.

People can download applications to receive additional disaster assistance information here, or call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

State provided aid from the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program is no longer available in counties where federal assistance has been made available and people should instead apply for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program.

How you can donate to relief efforts for those affected by Siouxland’s flooding

FEMA assistance has also been activated in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, and Sioux Counties to provide funding for emergency work, such as debris removal.