Iowa Governor Terry Branstad issues disaster declaration covering Winneshiek County and four others

(Photo by decorahnews.com's Clara Knudson)

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Winneshiek, Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette and Howard counties in response to recent severe storms and flash flooding.
 
The governor's proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of the severe storms and the flooding that followed.  The proclamation also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Program for residents of those counties.
 
The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the current federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $40,320, for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.
 
Eligible residents in Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties have until October 7th to apply for Iowa Individual Assistance as a result of these storms.