Letter to Barack Obama, President of the United States - Federal Disaster Declaration in Iowa

Letter

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today sent a letter to President Obama urging him to grant Governor Chet Culver's request to declare Black Hawk County a disaster area following severe storms that produced serious damage.

"Iowans in Black Hawk County were subject to a severe storm, that produced serious wind damage," Harkin said. "I urge the Obama administration to work closely with state and local officials to ensure that federal assistance is immediately made available to the impacted communities."

During the weekend of July 10th, Black Hawk County experienced severe storms, which produced strong winds resulting in numerous downed trees and tree limbs, and electrical utility damage. The University of Northern Iowa also has several buildings damaged.

A copy of the letter is below.

July 30, 2009

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Obama

On July 10, 2009, the Iowa county of Black Hawk experienced a severe storm which produced serious wind damage in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area. Strong winds throughout the metropolitan area resulted in numerous downed trees and tree limbs, and electrical utility damage. The University of Northern Iowa also had several buildings damaged by the wind and rain.

Governor Culver has asked for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Black Hawk County for Public Assistance, due to the lack of resources at the local level. Black Hawk County was also severely impacted by last year's historic floods in Iowa. Those floods were so burdensome to the citizens of Iowa, that responding to additional disasters is difficult.

I would urge you and your staff to work closely with state and local officials to ensure that federal assistance is made available to the communities in need. Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Tom Harkin
United States Senator

Source