Governor Terry Branstad has requested a presidential disaster declaration for four counties hit by the avian flu. Requesting federal disaster assistance is not new for Iowa when it comes to things like flooding and severe weather — but Patrick Hall with the state Emergency Management Division says this request is very rare.
California was given federal support then for all those who lost their jobs when the orange crop froze. Hall says Iowa is looking for the same things, as the federal disaster declaration would make the state eligible for several programs.
The federal aid would help those in Iowa who are out of work with the turkey and poultry facilities shut down.
The governor has asked that Buena Vista, Sioux, Webster and Wright counties be given the federal disaster declaration. Hall says there is no way to know how soon the state might hear a decision from federal officials on the designation. All the members of the Iowa Congressional delegation sent a letter to President Barack Obama lending their support to the governor’s request.
