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Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for Iowa
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary June 30, 2008

Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for Iowa

ÿÿWhite House News


The President today made additional disaster assistance available to the
State of Iowa impacted by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding beginning
on May 25, 2008, and continuing, by authorizing an increase in the level of
Federal funding for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal
assistance, under the Public Assistance program.

The President's major disaster declaration issued for the State on May 27,
2008, initially authorized Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and
Hazard Mitigation, and any other forms of assistance under the Stafford
Act, subject to the completion of joint Federal, State, and local
Preliminary Damage Assessments. Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation, and
Other Needs Assistance under Section 408 were authorized at 75 percent
Federal funding of total eligible costs.

Under the President's order today, the Federal share has been increased to
90 percent of the total eligible costs for emergency protective measures,
including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.
This adjustment is effective until the respective date at which the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service
River Forecast Center reports that the rivers in the State of Iowa, which
have experienced historical flooding, fall below flood stage.

The increase to 90 percent Federal share is retroactive to the date of the
President's major disaster declaration for the State of Iowa.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.

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