Iowa Governor Culver, Congressman Braley Announce $5.1 Million to Assist Flood Recovery

February 20, 2009 -- DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Chet Culver and Congressman Bruce Braley today announced that more than $5.1 million in federal and state funds has been identified and is in final approval for two conservation related recovery projects in Iowa. These funds are part of the effort to help rebuild infrastructure following the historic floods of 2008.

“Repairing our infrastructure after last years natural disasters means more than just roads and bridges. We must rebuild every facet of our state’s infrastructure, such as our conservation trails and bridges. These are essential to our state’s full recovery,” Governor Culver noted. “I will continue to work with federal partners to ensure Iowans are aided in all aspects of the recovery effort,” Culver stressed.

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“I’m happy that northeast Iowa is receiving the resources needed to continue recovering from last year’s floods and tornados,” Representative Braley said. “During these tough economic times, rebuilding Iowa’s infrastructure will save and create jobs right here in Iowa. I’ll continue working to ensure that Iowans receive the help they need to recover from last year’s disasters.”

These dollars will fund two major projects:

* Dubuque County: Dubuque County Conservation Board, $2,957,426 to repair washouts to the Heritage trail surface between Cedar Ridge and Girl Scout Road. Because of the Governor’s actions to have FEMA fund 90% of all recovery projects, the Board will save the 15% local match of $443,613. The remaining 10% of the project will come from state dollars.
* Black Hawk County: Black Hawk County Conservation Board, $2,230,000 to replace the Evansdale Bridge on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. Because of the Governor’s actions, the agency will save $334,500.

These projects are part of an expected 10,600 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 $580 million in federal funds for public assistance for projects in Iowa.

Source: Iowa Governor