The Iowa House delegation announced today that at their urging the House Appropriations Committee has included $2.65 billion dollars in emergency funding in the Emergency Supplemental bill that will be voted on today.  This $2.65 billion will be distributed between the following federal accounts: FEMA, the Army Corp of Engineers, SBA Disaster Loans, and Agricultural Assistance.

“The devastating effects of these floods can be seen throughout Iowa,” said Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02).  “By working together bipartisanly, our delegation has successfully secured the funding necessary for residents and businesses to begin the recovery process.  This funding, in combination with the strong spirit and work ethic of every Iowan, will allow our communities to rebuild and thrive once again.  As we continue to work on disaster funding, I will work with my colleagues to ensure future funding is provided to our state for initiatives such as Community Development Block Grants, Economic Development Disaster Assistance Grants, and other funding that will help get Iowans back on their feet.”

 “Iowans need these funds to help life return to normal,” said Congressman Tom Latham (IA-04). “We must do everything we can to help people safely return to their homes and businesses. These funds can help ensure that Iowans can get back on their feet, safely clean up and keep moving forward.”

“I'm extremely pleased that congressional leaders and the Administration recognize the significant need and are responding quickly to help Iowa families and businesses get back on their feet again,” added Congressman Leonard Boswell (IA-03)

"The 1993 floods were unprecedented 500 year events.  Today, the river crests have eclipsed the all time high water marks set 15 years ago.  A 500 year flood event has taken on new meaning,” offered Congressman Steve King (IA-05).  "We have suffered unprecedented loss of life in the recent natural disasters in Iowa.  Iowans have done all they possibly could to prepare for the floods of 2008.  Iowans will again set the standard for helping themselves and each other in the recovery effort.  It will cost billions.  In asking the taxpayers for assistance, we pledge to use every dollar as efficiently and responsibly as we possibly can."

“The floods of 2008 have affected nearly everyone in Iowa.  The scope of the damage to Iowans’ homes, lives, property, crops and livelihoods almost defies description.  This disaster has had a devastating impact on Iowa’s economy—and the US economy.  This unprecedented disaster demands special action to help the people of Iowa rebuild,” added Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01).  “When things get tough in Iowa, Iowans come together and help one another.  I’m proud that Iowa’s congressional delegation is working together to help Iowans overwhelmed by the flood.”

In response to the devastating floods that have ravaged much of Iowa and many other states throughout the Midwest, the Iowa delegation in the House of Representatives sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader John Boehner requesting they immediately begin working with the House Appropriations Committee to provide robust emergency disaster funding.  The funding included in this Supplemental bill was a result of this and other efforts by the Iowa delegation to quickly provide assistance to those affected by the floods.

“On Friday I was contacted by several members whose districts were hit with floods,” said Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey.  “Working with those members, we have added significant funding to the Supplemental to ensure that federal agencies have the necessary resources to meet the needs of impacted communities.”

The extent of damage to Iowa and to the other Midwestern States is currently unknown.  However, water levels have surpassed the marks set by the 1993 flooding, which resulted in billions of dollars of damage.  In some areas, such as the Cedar and Iowa Rivers, which have experienced “500-year” floods, water levels are not expected to drop below flood levels for another week, if not longer.

Damages to affected communities include loss of power, water and waste water treatment, emergency communications, sanitary and storm sewer destruction and serious damages to public infrastructure including miles of roadway, bridges, culverts, and governmental buildings.  Untold numbers of homes and businesses have also been damaged.  Downtown areas in Des Moines, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Mason City, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Coralville, other communities, and small towns have been devastated, resulting in physical and economic ruin.

Please find a copy of the letter sent to House leadership below.


June 17, 2008

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi                    The Honorable John Boehner
Office of the Speaker                        Office of the  Minority Leader
H-232, US Capitol                        H-204, US Capitol
Washington, DC 20515                    Washington, DC 20515

Dear Speaker Pelosi, and Minority Leader Boehner:

We are writing to request that you begin immediate discussions with the Appropriations Committee leadership on the subject of broad-scope, disaster funding related to the Midwest floods.  We believe that this funding, at the outset, must include resources in the Supplemental Appropriations bill that will soon be taken up in the House.  

In Iowa, Governor Culver has issued an Emergency Proclamation for 83 of Iowa’s 99 counties, all experiencing significant damage due to the combination of severe rainfall, winds, and flooding.  In addition, 29 counties have been declared Presidential Disaster Areas in Iowa, and the flooding has not yet stopped.

The extent of damage to Iowa, and to the other Midwestern States is currently unknown.  However, Governor Culver has provided some initial examples of the impact. We have met or exceeded record flooding levels in many areas of the state. These records have surpassed the marks set by the 1993 flooding, which resulted in billions of dollars of damage. The total flooding impacts have not yet reached all areas of the State. In some areas, such as the Cedar and Iowa rivers, which have experienced “500-year” floods, stages are expected to continue for another week, if not longer.

Sadly, 17 citizens have lost their lives, and many more have been injured. Over 38,000 Iowans have been displaced from thousands of homes and countless more have seen their lives disrupted through the closure or evacuation of hospitals, nursing homes, businesses, and schools. More than 18 shelters have been in operation in more than a dozen counties.

Damages to these communities include loss of power, water and waste water treatment, emergency communications, sanitary and storm sewer destruction and serious damages to public infrastructure including miles of roadway, bridges, culverts, and governmental buildings.  Untold businesses have also been damaged, both large and small. Downtown areas in Des Moines, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Coralville and numerous other small communities have been devastated, resulting in physical and economic ruin.

Unfortunately, it is likely that these statistics will worsen for both Iowa and the other affected Midwestern States as the flood continues. President Bush will be visiting Iowa on Thursday, and it is our understanding that he has instructed OMB Director Nussle to work with Congress on providing disaster funding in the Supplemental. We ask that you focus your discussions with the Appropriations Committee on disaster funding authority that is immediately available, and that follow-on discussions include all assistance resources available to the Federal government, including, but not limited to, disaster assistance, economic development assistance, rural development assistance, and Army Corps of Engineers funding.

Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter.  We look forward to working with you in the future as we begin to calculate the extent of the damages in our State.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack                    
Member of Congress

Tom Latham
Member of Congress

Leonard Boswell
Member of Congress

Steve King
Member of Congress

Bruce Braley
Member of Congress

Cc: The Honorable David Obey, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, The Honorable Jerry Lewis, Ranking Member, House Committee on Appropriations