President Obama names Winneshiek County a disaster area

President Barack Obama on Thursday approved Iowa Governor Terry Branstad's request to issue a Presidential Disaster Declaration covering Winneshiek County and 25 other counties in Iowa, including  Allamakee, Chickasaw and Fayette counties

Governor Branstad made the request in the wake of serous damage done by storms, damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rain, hail and flooding that occurred in June.

The designation will provide federal dollars to declared counties under the Public Assistance program.  The federal funds can be used to pay for debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair of damaged public property, loans needed by communities for essential government functions and grants for public schools.