(Des Moines)– Governor Terry Branstad says storms that brought flooding to Iowa since May 19th caused an estimated $22 million in damage that is eligible for federal public assistance. As a result he has signed a letter to President Barack Obama requesting a presidential disaster declaration that would include 47 of Iowa’s counties. Locally, that would include Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, O’Brien and Palo Alto counties.
The storms brought damaging wind, tornadoes, heavy rain and thunderstorms causing flash flooding.
The request includes other counties scattered throughout the state.
Public assistance funds may be used to rebuild damaged roads, bridges, culverts and other public facilities, or to cover emergency work costs.