Iowa seeking billions in disaster relief after deadly storm

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) requested nearly $4 billion in federal disaster relief on Sunday after a deadly storm last week hit communities across the state.  

Reynolds said she sent a request for an expedited presidential major disaster declaration to secure federal assistance “as quickly as possible,” and estimated the state will need about $3.9 billion from federal partners.

“From cities to farms, Iowans are hurting, many still have challenges with shelter, food, and power. Resilience is in our DNA, but we’re going to need a strong and timely federal response to support recovery efforts,” Reynolds said in a statement. “I have formally requested an expedited Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to secure this critical federal assistance as quickly as possible.”

Reynolds said she had conversations with President Trump and Vice President Pence and both “pledged the full support of the federal government.” 

Following the governor’s request, Trump tweeted that he approved the “FULL Emergency Declaration” for the state.

“Just approved (and fast) the FULL Emergency Declaration for the Great State of Iowa. They got hit hard by record setting winds. Thank you to @SenJoniErnst, @ChuckGrassley, and Governor Kim Reynolds,” Trump tweeted.

Three confirmed deaths have been reported related to the storm in Iowa, USA Today reported. 

The storm, with winds that reached nearly 100 mph in parts of Iowa, also swept across Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. One other person was killed in Indiana, according to USA Today.