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Governor Chet Culver has issued a disaster proclamation for Marion County in response to recent severe weather. Others added today include Decatur, Monroe, and Sioux counties which join Ringgold, Union, Taylor, Hancock, Wright and Franklin who were issued proclamations earlier this week. The disaster proclamation authorizes implementation of Iowa’s Individual Assistance Grant Program to assist eligible residents in the listed counties. This will provide up to $5,000 in reimbursements for damaged homes of eligible residents whose income is less than 200 percent above the poverty level.

Culver’s proclamation occurs after Marion County declared a local state of emergency Friday requesting the state’s Individual Assistance to help residents who suffered damage due to ongoing severe weather and the continued threat of flooding. According to Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Anderson there have been over 200 unconfirmed basements in the county that have been impacted by flood water. Anderson says the damage began occurring on June 1, 2010 and has caused damage to public and private property, along with disruption of utility service and endangerment of health and safety of Marion County citizens.

Information on how to apply for the reimbursement program and eligibility requirements can be found on the Department of Human Services website www.dhs.state.ia.us by clicking Storm Help. Or residents can call 877-937-3663.