Updated Information

8-16-2010

Information Regarding Government Assistance to Flood Victims

  • Polk and JasperCounties have been declared state and federal disaster areas. Homeland Security continues to gather more information/data and has applied for approvals to seek federal assistance for individuals and governments.
  • A Presidential Disaster Declaration was requested by Governor Culver for both Polk and JasperCounties on Tuesday, and this declaration was approved by the president on Friday, April 13. FEMA will now enter the process, leading to the availability of federal funds to assist those qualifying for public infrastructure. An additional declaration is being sought for residential and business damage declaration. Patience will be a key aspect in working with FEMA. Other info will be available via the media.
  • Iowa's Dept. of Human Services is implementing the state Individual Assistance Program. Income guidelines for eligibility are about $40,000 for a family of four and $22,000 for an individual. Iowans who qualify are eligible for up to $5,000 in grants. The number to call is 877-937-3663 or application form is available on the DHS website.
  • FEMA number: 1-800-621-3362
  • Homeland security continues to work with communities downstream of Ames to make sure they are prepared if there is additional rain.
  • The StateEmergencyOperationsCenter is up and running.
  • Numerous roads are closed. For up-to-date information call: 866-452-8510 - this hotline is open from 7 am – 9pm and will be answered by individuals. You can also call "511." The DOT website will have an interactive map regarding road closings.
  • Public Safety Commissioner Meyer emphasized that public safety is our number one concern. If you see water on the road, it is wise not to proceed. The electrical inspections division of the Fire Marshall's hotline is 866-923-1082 or go to
  • If communities request National Guard support - Gov. Culver is ready to call them up. At this time the Guard has been supplying technical and logistical support.
  • Governor Culver has initiated a state program, termed “Iowans Helping Iowans,” that will be administered by the Iowa Department of Economic Development. The agency is in the process of preparing guidelines for financial assistance to residential and business, and will be identified in media releases in the near future.
  • In PolkCounty, Supervisor Hockensmith has secured the assistance of the Polk County Public Works Dept. to assist in clean-up based on needs assessment. If you reside in PolkCounty, the phone number to call for this evaluation and potential service is515-286-3890

State Senator Dennis Black:

State Representative Geri Huser: