Finkenauer Visits Derecho Damage at Meskwaki Nation, Urges President Trump to Approve Tribe’s Disaster Declaration Request
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) visited the Meskwaki Nation in Tama on Thursday to meet with tribal leaders and view damage from last week’s derecho. Finkenauer also sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Thursday imploring him to approve the tribe’s request for federal disaster aid.
"Like so many across eastern Iowa, the Meskwaki Nation is hurting in the aftermath of this devastating storm and needs more help,” Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. “Today, I met with tribal leaders and saw firsthand how last week’s derecho has damaged their settlement and upended a community already hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic."
"The damage to the Meskwaki Nation demands more attention and federal aid,” Finkenauer said. “I urge the Administration to approve the tribe’s request for a major disaster declaration to make sure they get the assistance needed. “
Finkenauer met on Thursday with Meskwaki Nation Executive Director Lawrence SpottedBird, Tribal Chair Judith Bender, Emergency Manager Roxanne Warnell, and other members of Meskwaki Nation staff and response team. The tribe presented photos of damage and discussed the derecho’s impact with Finkenauer.
Before that meeting, Finkenauer sent the letter to President Donald Trump urging approval of the Meskwaki Nation’s request for a major disaster declaration.
The letter outlines the damage caused by the derecho:
- 200 homes damaged
- 600 people displaced
- Estimated $338,000 in damage to tribal infrastructure
- 145,200 cubic yards of debris removed
"The storm has also caused damage to sacred lands and original sites of the Meskwaki ancestor’s settlements, as well as other historical sites,” Finkenauer wrote in the letter. “This comes as the Tribe is still dealing with the fallout of the ongoing pandemic, which has strained their resources. I urge you to not only approve their request quickly, but also work with the Tribe to waive the non-federal cost-share for federal disaster assistance if needed."
Additionally, Finkenauer spoke on Wednesday with FEMA Regional Administrator Paul Taylor and inquired about the status of the tribe’s request and their engagement with Meskwaki Nation to-date.
"We’re thankful to Congresswoman Finkenauer for taking the time to visit the settlement and meet our chairperson Judith Bender as well as our emergency response team for an update on the damage and the impact this storm had on our community,” Meskwaki Nation Executive Director Lawrence SpottedBird said. “We’ve been frustrated by the slow and cumbersome process for seeking FEMA assistance, and appreciate the congresswoman’s help in advancing our request."
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 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, including individual assistance, and waive the local cost match requirements for emergency work.
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.
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.