President Donald Trump has partially approved disaster declaration for July tornadoes in Iowa, making funding available for public and non-profit entities.
Individual assistance is still under review.
The tornado that hit Marshalltown on that day was rated an EF-3, with sustained winds of 144 miles per hour.
The twister caused heavy damage to numerous buildings, peeling off roofs, blowing off the steeple on the courthouse, damaging cars, downing power lines, and causing damage to trees.
A tornado rated EF-3 also hit the Vermeer Corporation in Pella that same day, causing extensive damage.
The declaration will make assistance available to public and nonprofit entities in Lee, Marshall, Marion and Van Buren counties under the federal Public Assistance Program. A Presidential Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance puts into motion long-term federal recovery programs, some of which are partially matched by state programs and designed to help public entities and select nonprofits. Public Assistance funds may be used for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and may include debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair of damaged public property, loans needed by communities for essential government functions and grants for public schools. Damage assessments in the four declared counties showed an estimated $6 million worth of damage that could be eligible under the Public Assistance Program.
The governor also received notification that this Presidential Disaster Declaration will make available funding to conduct hazard mitigation activities for the entire state. With this funding, Iowa will be able to minimize the impact of future disasters by taking steps to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards.
Tornado ravages northern Marshalltown
By Gary Barrett