Hancock, Cerro Gordo counties added to Reynolds’ disaster declaration
(ABC 6 News) – As of Friday, Hancock and Cerro Gordo counties in northern Iowa have both been added to a disaster declaration from Governor Kim Reynolds.
On May 21, Reynolds’ issued a disaster declaration for 15 counties across the state — including Adams, Marshall and Warren counties — but, the following day, the governor added 17 counties, among them Hancock, Cedar, Franklin and Polk. Then, on Fri., May 24, ten additional counties were also added to the list, including Cerro Gordo County.
There are now 42 counties included in the disaster emergency proclamation from Gov. Reynolds as of May 24.
Under the proclamation, state resources would be unlocked to assist in recovering from the effects of the severe weather. It also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program, which provides up to $5,000 for homes with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The grants can assist in home or car repairs, replacing food or clothing, as well as temporary housing expenses.
Under the grant, it does note that those original receipts are required to get reimbursement related to the storm recovery. Any potential applicants have 45 days from the date of this proclamation to submit a claim. You can find more information on the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program here.
Reynolds has also written a letter to the White House, requesting President Joe Biden make a disaster proclamation for the state of Iowa.
In a letter to the White House dated May 23, 2024, Reynolds asked Biden to declare, “a major disaster for the state of Iowa under the provisions of Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act…”
The proclamation, if issued by the president, would the more than 40 counties access to federal funds and assistance for disaster relief clean-up.
In a release on the state’s website, Reynolds did note that more counties may be added to the federal proclamation request, if the initial request is approved.