Culver requests additional damage assessments

Additional severe weather and flooding has likely resulted in more Iowa counties becoming eligible for federal assistance, and Gov. Chet Culver has asked that joint federal, state and local teams complete additional assessments.

The Preliminary Damage Assessments are used to determine the magnitude and impact of damage in an area. The results are used by the state to determine if the cost of recovery efforts will exceed the the combined capabilities of local and state agencies, and are the first step needed in order for a county to receive a federal disaster declaration and, subsequently, federal assistance.

Culver has already requested federal disaster declarations for 35 counties, but anticipates that additional severe weather has created more damage and a need for more assistance. The teams are expected to review damage estimates for public assistance in 18 counties and for individual assistance in 19 counties.

Individual assistance program funds can used by property owners and small businesses for temporary housing, disaster unemployment assistance, and replacement or repair costs. Public assistance program monies are used by public entities and certain nonprofits to rebuild infrastructure such as roads, bridges or culverts, and also to cover costs associated with emergency debris removal.

It remains unclear, however, if an Iowa county hard-hit by the most recent storms will be eligible for any federal assistance despite the extent of its damage. Members of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors chose not to join the National Flood Insurance Program because, according to one spokesman, it had “too many strings attached.” Counties that participate in the program must work to mitigate the impact of future flooding, such as enforcing rules related to flood plain management.

After heavy rain fell Friday evening and Saturday morning, the Lake Delhi overtopped an earthen dam and quickly washed out a portion of the road and dam, unleashing a torrent of water on residents downstream on the Maquoketa River. Because of quick action by local and state officials, local warning sirens were sounded and residents were able to evacuate where necessary. No injuries or fatalities have been reported as a result of the breached dam, however, a large amount of debris were left behind after the water level dropped.

Delaware County, which is home to Lake Delhi and other flood-impacted communities, does have a six-month window to join the program. Their joining would allow many residents access to federal assistance. Vacation homes, however, are only eligible under specific circumstances and programs, which means that many of the properties surrounding the Lake Delhi recreation area will remain without federal assistance.

The full magnitude of what recovery looks like within a privately-owned community has only begun to take shape. Residents who live near public streets, for instance, can pile debris for later pick-up by government workers. Those who live on the private streets surrounding Lake Delhi do not have that option, and if the state does send workers into the area to help with debris removal, there will be no federal assistance provided for such services.

For now, state and local officials, realizing that sweltering temperatures will result in mold and perhaps other public health risks, are considering issuing a call for volunteers to come and help with debris removal in the community.

Regardless of the current situation regarding the National Flood Insurance Program, Delaware County will have assessments completed for both public and individual assistance, according to the Governor’s Office. Damage assessments are expected to be completed by Aug. 1.