$8.5 Million in Iowa Disaster Aid

June 18, 2009 -- DES MOINES -- Iowa Governor Chet Culver and Congressman Bruce Braley announced today that more than $8.5 million in federal and state funds have been identified and are in final approval for disaster recovery efforts around the state. These funds are part of the effort to help rebuild infrastructure following the historic floods of 2008.

“I am proud to announce this new funding for the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District,” said Governor Culver. “This is one more sign that Iowa’s rebuilding efforts are continuing one year after the devastating floods and storms of 2008. Our work is far from finished, and I look forward to working with all Iowans as we build a stronger, safer, smarter Iowa.”

“Today’s funding will help Waverly continue their efforts to rebuild from last year’s historic floods,” Braley said. “During these tough economic times, repairing Waverly’s Washington Irving Elementary School will save and create jobs here in Iowa. I’m glad Waverly is receiving the resources they need to recover from last year’s disasters.”

FEMA and the State have approved $8,543,771 for the Waverly-Shell Rock School District City to make repairs to the Washington-Irving Elementary School, 213 6th Street south east in Bremer County. Because of the Governor’s and Congressman’s efforts to have FEMA pay 90% of the cost, the School District will save the 15% local match of $1,281,565. State funds will be used for the remaining 10 percent.

These projects are part of an expected 10,050 projects that will be identified under the State/FEMA Public Assistance Program designed to help public and certain non-profit agencies rebuild Iowa infrastructure and pay for response efforts. Eligible entities in 84 counties qualify for public assistance under the State and FEMA program. To date, the State and FEMA have obligated more than $606 million in federal and state funds for public assistance projects in Iowa.

Source: Iowa Governor