Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) and the Iowa House delegation sent a letter to President Obama urging him to support Gov. Branstad's request to declare Dubuque and Jackson counties major disaster areas as a result of severe storms and flooding that took place July 27-29, 2011.
"These storms severely damaged Iowa schools, hospitals, fire stations and electricity and communications infrastructure," said Rep. Braley. "I strongly urge the President to declare these counties disaster areas so they are eligible for the support they need to rebuild asquickly as possible."
A copy of the letter is available here and pasted below: http://go.usa.gov/KsB
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August 10, 2011
The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20230
Mr. President:
We ask that you grant the request made August 9th, 2011 by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for major disaster declarations for the following Iowa counties:
* Benton
* Clay
* Dickinson
* Dubuque
* Jackson
* Marshall
* Story
* Tama
These disasters were caused by severe storms and torrential rains that occurred on July 9, 2011 through July 14, 2011, and on July 27, 2011 through July 29, 2011. Governor Branstad has determined that these incidents are of such severity and magnitude, that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments. Supplementary Federal assistance is needed.
Thank you for your prompt consideration of this request. Please feel free to contact us if we can provide further assistance.
Sincerely,
Bruce L. Braley
Leonard Boswell
Dave Loebsack
Tom Latham
Steve King