Finkenauer Hosts Derecho Aid Forum with FEMA and Local Officials from Areas Impacted
WASHINGTON, DC – For the second time in less than a week, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) brought representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal agencies together with local elected officials to ensure Iowa communities impacted by the Aug. 10 derecho have all necessary information and resources on storm recovery and disaster aid.
"The recovery needs in communities across Iowa are changing. We’re now focusing on more long-term needs that FEMA and other federal agencies can provide through individual assistance and other approved aid programs,” Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said.
"Ensuring our local officials are getting questions answered on behalf of the folks they serve is essential to making sure aid reaches the communities, small businesses and families who need it most,” Finkenauer said. “I want to thank FEMA and all of the local officials who joined us today — we’ll keep the lines of communication open as long as necessary to help Iowans in need."
The forum was held via tele-conference to ensure the widest possible attendance and accessibility across the affected counties.
Wednesday’s forum featured the following agency officials:
- David Gervino, FEMA, Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer
- John Mill, FEMA, External Affairs Officer
- Brandon Mackey, FEMA, Public Assistance
- Bryon Boka, FEMA, Individual Assistance
- Cynthia Cowell, Small Business Administration, Public Information Officer
- Amanda De Jong, U.S. Department of Agriculture, IA FSA State Executive Director
- Duane Voy, Director of USDA Risk Management Agency
- Steve Eggleston, U.S. Housing and Urban Development
- Dennis Harper, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Recovery Division Administrator
Finkenauer meets with FEMA leadership:
Also on Wednesday, Finkenauer met directly with top FEMA regional officials for an update on the agency’s ongoing storm recovery efforts in eastern Iowa. Finkenauer held a meeting with FEMA Regional Administrator Paul Taylor, Federal Coordinating Officer DuWayne Tewes, and External Affairs Director Michael Cappannari.
"I want to thank FEMA for their continued accessibility during this critical recovery time,” Finkenauer said. “Today, we spoke about housing options and the potential to provide much-needed help with removing downed trees in our district."
"Last month’s derecho hit our communities with so little warning, and recovery is going to take months. I am thankful we are now receiving the federal assistance that a large-scale disaster like this requires,” Finkenauer said.
Finkenauer’s Ongoing Derecho Relief Efforts:
The rare derecho storm affected more than 20 counties across Iowa, producing straight-line winds that exceeded 100 mph in several locations. Much of the damage took place in counties included in the First District. 550,000 homes were left without power and the total estimated damage is more than $3.9 billion.
On Friday, 9/4, Finkenauer hosted a forum allowing legislative, county, and local officials from Linn County to meet with federal disaster relief officials about ongoing derecho recovery efforts.
On Tuesday, 9/1, Finkenauer issued a statement regarding FEMA’s approval of individual disaster assistance for 10 additional Iowa counties affected by the Aug. 10 Derecho, including Benton, Marshall, Poweshiek and Tama in the First District.
On Friday, 8/21, Finkenauer was joined by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) on Friday in calling on President Donald Trump to approve federal disaster aid for the Meskwaki Nation.
On Friday, 8/21, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue seeking information on potential USDA relief for farmers and producers affected by the derecho disaster.
On Thursday, 8/20, Finkenauer released a statement on the Administration’s approval of Individual Assistance for Linn County residents impacted by the derecho.
On Thursday, 8/20, Finkenauer visited the Meskwaki Nation in Tama to meet with tribal leaders and view damage from the derecho. Finkenauer also sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Thursday imploring him to approve the tribe’s request for federal disaster aid.
On Wednesday, 8/19, Finkenauer released a Disaster Resource Guide for constituents.
On Wednesday, 8/19, Finkenauer wrote to President Trump urging him to fully approve Iowa’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration, which includes individual assistance, and urged a waiver of local cost match.
On Monday, 8/17, Finkenauer took part in an electric restoration briefing with Alliant Energy.
On Monday, 8/17, Finkenauer visited Benton County to hear about local storm damage from local leaders and emergency management officials, and visited the Iowa Veterans Home.
On Sunday, 8/16, Finkenauer joined the full Iowa federal delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to accept Governor Kim Reynolds’ request for an expedited presidential major disaster declaration.
On Friday, 8/14, Finkenauer visited storm damage in Marshalltown, including the Iowa Veterans Home.
On Thursday, 8/13, Finkenauer hosted a briefing with Iowa Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Joyce Flinn.
On Thursday, 8/13, Finkenauer urged Reynolds to call for an expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration and joined Cedar Rapids city officials at a press conference to call for expedited federal aid and additional state resources as Cedar Rapids and communities across Iowa work to recover from Monday’s derecho storm.
On Wednesday, 8/12, she attended a briefing with Cedar Rapids emergency officials.
On Tuesday, 8/11, Finkenauer sent a letter to Governor Kim Reynolds seeking information and offering assistance in the wake of Monday’s storms that knocked out power and caused widespread damage across eastern Iowa.
If you need or someone you know has been affected by the storm and needs help, call 1-800-RED-CROSS. For information about state aid for food and health assistance, click here. To volunteer through the United Way of East Central Iowa, click here.