Iowa Seeks Disaster Declaration for 5 Counties

Gov. Terry Branstad is requesting a presidential disaster declaration for five northwest Iowa counties due to damage caused by severe weather.

Branstad announced Friday he had signed a letter that will be delivered to President Barack Obama, requesting the designation for Dickinson, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola and Sioux counties.

The request was prompted by severe weather from April 9 to 11, including high winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms, freezing rain, ice and snow. The conditions cause damage to utility lines, poles, trees and vegetation.

Officials estimated there was $6 million in damage that could be eligible for help through the Public Assistance Program. The program can be used to rebuild damaged infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and culverts, or to cover the cost of emergency work and debris removal.