Dry weather helping flood recovery efforts
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| (Above) An aerial shot of the South Skunk River flooding between Sully and Pella, courtesy of Classic Aviation Inc. of Pella. |
Dry weather the last few days has been a godsend for folks trying to recover from the flooding in Jasper County.
Jasper County Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Sparks said the South Skunk River has dropped about 3 1⁄2 feet over the weekend, but is still about three feet above flood stage. It is expected to drop below flood state midday Tuesday. In the meantime, Colfax is pumping out the wastewater treatment plant.
“They are still pumping like crazy,” Sparks said, and hope to continue to clear areas so clean-up can begin.
In Reasnor, about half of that city’s residents are without water. Some residents who utilize the sandpoint wells are being told not to drink the water, while those on the Jasper County Rural Water system are not affected. Water is receding from the roadways west of Reasnor now, with some roadways still affected today.
Sparks said the Jasper County Emergency Operations Center will convene again today for a briefing, to develop a county-wide recovery plan, and discuss infrastructure concerns along Highway 117.
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Also, Polk and Jasper Counties have been declared state and federal disaster areas. Homeland Security continues to gather more information/data and has applied for approvals to seek federal assistance for individuals and governments.
A Presidential Disaster Declaration was requested by Governor Culver for both Polk and Jasper Counties on Tuesday, and this declaration was approved by the president on Friday, April 13. FEMA will now enter the process, leading to the availability of federal funds to assist those qualifying for residential and business damages. Patience will be a key aspect in working with FEMA. Other info will be available via the media.
Iowa’s Dept. of Human Services is implementing the state Individual Assistance Program. Income guidelines for eligibility are about $40,000 for a family of four and $22,000 for an individual. Iowans who qualify are eligible for up to $5,000 in grants. The number to call is 877-937-3663 or www.dhs.state.ia.us. The application form is available on the DHS website.
FEMA number: 1-800-621-3362
Homeland security continues to work with communities downstream of Ames to make sure they are prepared if there is additional rain.
The State Emergency Operations Center is up and running.
Numerous roads are closed. For up-to-date information call: 866-452-8510 - this hotline is open from 7 a.m to 9 p.m. and will be answered by individuals. You can also call “511.” The DOT website www.iowadot.gov will have an interactive map regarding road closings.
Public Safety Commissioner Meyer emphasized that public safety is our number one concern. If you see water on the road, it is wise not to proceed. The electrical inspections division of the Fire Marshall’s hotline is 866-923-1082 or go to www.dps.state.ia.us/fm/electrician.
If communities request National Guard support - Gov. Culver is ready to call them up. At this time the Guard has been supplying technical and logistical support.
Governaor Culver has initiated a state program, termed “Iowans Helping Iowans,” that will be administered by the Iowa Department of Economic Development. The agency is in the process of preparing guidelines for financial assistance to residential and business, and will be identified in media releases in the near future.
