Finkenauer Visits Cedar Rapids Emergency Operations Center 

August 12, 2020
Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) visited the Cedar Rapids Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday in the wake of Monday’s devastating derecho storm. Finkenauer received updates on damage, response, and recovery plans from several local officials.

"The more we learn about the damage caused by Monday’s storm in our communities, the more heartbreaking it becomes,” Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. “I want to thank our city and county officials, first responders, and line workers who are working around the clock to help our friends and neighbors through this tragic moment. Cedar Rapids knows all too well how to respond to and recover from a crisis, and I admire and appreciate the professionalism of our leaders and first responders."

"My office stands ready to assist with securing all the help and resources needed to recover from this disaster, including federal assistance, and I look forward to visiting additional First District communities in the coming days to hear directly from residents and leaders,” Finkenauer said.  “I am so inspired by the pictures I’ve seen and stories I’ve heard of Iowans helping Iowans to get through this together."

Those in attendance for Finkenauer’s visit included:

  • Jeff Pomeranz, Cedar Rapids City Manager
  • Wayne Jerman, Cedar Rapids Police Chief
  • Gregory Smith, Cedar Rapids Fire Chief
  • Mayor Brad Hart and members of the City Council

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.