Local, state and federal survey teams will be conducting damage assessments in nine counties impacted by recent flooding in eastern Iowa on Thursday (Sept. 29, 2016).

According to Gov. Terry Branstad, the assessment will be conducted in Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Delaware, Floyd, Jones and Linn counties. Data from the joint damage assessments could be used by the Governor to request a Presidential Disaster Declaration, which, if granted, would make federal financial help available to flood victims in the designated counties.

The FEMA Individual Assistance Program is made available to homeowners, renters and businesses. The assistance can include grants and low-interest loans to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance disaster aid programs.

Assessments of damage to public infrastructure will be made at a later time.

In order to request a Presidential Disaster Declaration, the incurred damage must meet criteria set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

During a Statehouse news conference on Monday, Branstad told reporters that damage to public facilities in flood-ravaged areas of eastern Iowa will "likely" reach levels to qualify for federal disaster assistance.

Branstad saw the flood damage in Clarksville and Shell Rock when he visited the two communities on Saturday. He also got personal look at the damage in Greene and Charles City on Monday. The Governor planned to visit the water-logged cities of Vinton, Palo and Cedar Rapids on Wednesday (Sept. 28).

The Governor has signed an emergency disaster proclamation for 21 counties in Iowa. Late Tuesday, he added Howard, Jones, Louisa and Story to a region that already included Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Delaware, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Linn, Mitchell, Worth and Wright.

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