Finkenauer Tours Derecho Damage, Meets Residents, and Visits Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Friday visited areas of Marshalltown damaged by this week’s derecho to hear directly from local leaders and residents about how they were affected by the storm.

Finkenauer went on a walking tour to survey damage and hear from residents around Miller Middle School with Marshalltown Mayor Joel Greer and Marshalltown Community School District Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte. She then visited the Iowa Veterans Home for an update on storm damage from Commandant Timon Oujiri.

"This was an unusual and devastating storm, and it’s critically important that we hear directly from the people affected by it,” Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. “Marshalltown was hit with hurricane-force intensity — with little warning or time to prepare. Iowans are resilient and are helping their neighbors out, but the damage is extensive and I’m committed to fighting for every bit of aid we need to recover."

"We were pleased to see Congresswoman Finkenauer in Marshalltown again, showing her concern about this latest disaster which has compounded our ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic as we look ahead to the start of school,” Marshalltown Mayor Joel Greer said. “We toured Miller Middle School and the surrounding neighborhood before ending up at the Iowa Veterans Home, all of which took significant damage in the storm. We welcome Congresswoman Finkenauer’s support and input on federal aid and the help it could provide in response to this disaster."

Friday’s visit to Marshalltown follows meetings in Cedar Rapids earlier this week, where Finkenauer similarly heard from local officials and residents on recovery needs.

On Thursday, Finkenauer sent a letter to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds urging her to request a presidential disaster declaration as quickly as possible to ensure Cedar Rapids, Marshalltown and surrounding areas receive needed aid, and urged that the Iowa National Guard be deployed to help with recovery.

Finkenauer also joined Cedar Rapids officials on Wednesday and Thursday for updates on response and recovery efforts. On Tuesday, 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.  

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.

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.