Latham Announces Iowa Disaster Mitigation Grants for Flood Damaged Properties

Press Release

Iowa Congressman Tom Latham on Friday announced that some Pottawattamie County properties ravaged by Missouri River flooding last summer will receive help in the form of federal disaster grants.

The FEMA hazard mitigation grants will be used to buy out 32 residential properties and one commercial property that were damaged beyond repair. Under the grant structure, the federal government will cover 75 percent of the costs, or a total of about $4.77 million, while the state government will cover the remaining costs.

"Throughout the summer of 2011, I saw firsthand the flood damage in western and southwestern Iowa and spoke with the Iowans whose lives were disrupted by the disaster," Congressman Latham said. "The flood dealt serious damage to properties along the river and took a heartbreaking toll on nearby communities. This hazard mitigation funding is absolutely necessary to rebound from the tragic flooding."

Congressman Latham visited communities along the Missouri River throughout the summer and met with local officials, citizens and farmers to listen to their concerns regarding the disaster recovery. He also testified during a congressional hearing on the flooding, stressing the importance of making sure Iowans affected by the disaster have a say in any new river management policies.

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