WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer issued the following 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: 

“I commend FEMA for doing the right thing and extending aid to individuals and households across central and eastern Iowa who were affected by this devastating storm,” Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. “Families in Benton, Marshall, Poweshiek and Tama counties lost homes and businesses and saw their communities turned upside-down by the hurricane-force winds of the derecho. This federal assistance is essential to their recovery.”   

“While this is great news for many Iowa families in need, we must recognize that today’s approval falls short of the state’s full request, which included individual aid for Iowa, Jackson and Jones counties in the First District,” Finkenauer said. “I will continue to press the administration to keep its word and approve assistance to every Iowan in need in every impacted community.”

“The aid made available through FEMA individual assistance will provide needed relief for thousands of Iowans who experienced losses in the storm,” Finkenauer said. “My office stands ready to assist those Iowans every step of the way in accessing this federal aid.”

Iowans who experienced property damage from the derecho should document the damage with photos and videos, file claims with any relevant private insurance and begin necessary repair projects — making sure to keep all work estimates and receipts. To apply for FEMA individual assistance, please visitdisasterassistance.gov. 

For additional information on available assistance, visit our Derecho Recovery Resource Guide.