Iowa House of Representatives

The State of Iowa has outlined plans to spend $517 million in federal funds for disaster recovery through the Community Development Block Grant program.  Some highlights include $245 million for housing buyouts, $25 million for small business assistance, and  $135 million for new housing.

Read the proposed plan here.

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Below is the weekly update from the Rebuild Iowa Office.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) this week approved $5.1 million in the first round of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to be used by Iowa communities for public acquisition of property damaged by the devastating floods of 2008.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds assist communities in minimizing the effects of future flooding through the purchase of damaged property in flood-prone areas. Properties purchased by communities in this program must be converted into green space and cannot be redeveloped. (more…)

       

The Iowa House of Representatives took action today to lower property taxes for homeowners and businesses rebuilding after natural disasters and providing more clean up resources for cities and counties.

“This is about revitalizing communities that were hardest hit and helping Iowans recover. We are doing all we can to give communities more tools and incentives to rebuild homes and businesses,” said State Representative Tyler Olson of Cedar Rapids, who won approval of the bill. (more…)

House Democrats serving on the Rebuild Iowa and Disaster Recovery Committee outlined a new $100 million aid package at the Statehouse today. The package is designed to help flood ravaged communities rebuild homes, businesses, and public buildings.

“We know many communities across Iowa are still putting the pieces back together after last summer’s devastating floods and storms. As chair of the Rebuild Iowa and Disaster Recovery Committee, it is my goal to prioritize state recovery efforts and help communities rebuild stronger than before,” said State Representative Tom Schueller of Maquoketa. (more…)

The Iowa House today approved a $56 million emergency disaster relief bill that includes $22 million for housing assistance, $10 million for individual disaster grants, and $22 million for community disaster grants.

“I’m glad the House has taken quick action to get help out to Iowans. We know that thousands of people are still struggling and this is another step forward in getting Iowans back in their homes and businesses back up and running,” said State Representative Tyler Olson of Cedar Rapids, who won approval of the bill in the House.

In addition to the $24 million for housing, House File 64 also expands the eligibility criteria so more Iowans can receive down payment assistance, housing repair or rehabilitation, and interim mortgage assistance. The $10 million for individual grants can be used for personal needs or mental health and also includes more Iowans. The $22 million in community disaster grants will go directly to communities impacted by disasters based on their share of statewide damage estimates.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

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The bill summary for House File 64 is here.

A $56 million emergency disaster relief bill was approved on a unanimous vote today by the House Rebuild Iowa and Disaster Recovery Committee.  The bill includes $22 million for housing assistance, $10 million for individual disaster grants, and $22 million for community disaster grants.

“Approval of this bill by the Rebuild Iowa Committee is a significant step forward in the process of helping Iowans recover from last year’s disasters.  The gap between need and current resources is huge, but we must make progress, and this bill is progress toward getting Iowans back in their homes and businesses back up and running,” said State Representative Tyler Olson of Cedar Rapids, who managed the bill.

In addition to the $24 million for housing, the bill also expands the eligibility criteria so more Iowans can receive down payment assistance, housing repair or rehabilitation, and interim mortgage assistance.  The $10 million for individual grants can be used for personal needs or mental health and also includes more Iowans.  The $22 million in community disaster grants will go directly to communities impacted by disasters based on their share of statewide damage estimates.

The bill now goes to the House Appropriations Committee.

This week’s update from the Rebuild Iowa Office:

Disaster assistance for residents and governments in Iowa impacted by this year’s storms, tornadoes and flooding currently stands at more than $1.4 billion.

More than 39,800 Iowans have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance and more than 35,000 Iowans have visited FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers around the state. Of the 85 Iowa counties eligible for federal assistance, 77 are eligible for both individual assistance and public assistance. (more…)

Here’s an update from the Rebuild Iowa Office:

Funds for residents and governments in Iowa impacted by this year’s storms, tornadoes and flooding continue to increase. This week, Iowa received additional funding in the Public Assistance category. Also, the state has so far received a total of $25 million from the Emergency Watershed Program and a total of $30 million from the Emergency Conservation Program, making the total U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Funds category $55 million (see below).

More than 39,800 Iowans have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance and more than 35,000 Iowans have visited FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers around the state. Of the 85 Iowa counties eligible for federal assistance, 77 are eligible for both individual assistance and public assistance. (more…)

An update from the Rebuild Iowa Office:

Total disaster assistance approved for residents and governments in Iowa impacted by this year’s storms, tornadoes and flooding grew by more than $7.5 million this week. The additional funding was primarily due to increases in State/FEMA Public Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration Loans and Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

More than 39,600 Iowans have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance and more than 35,000 Iowans have visited FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers around the state. Of the 85 Iowa counties eligible for federal assistance, 77 are eligible for both individual assistance and public assistance. (more…)