Ernst Supports Governor Reynolds’ Request for Federal Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- The office of Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) today sent a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Kim Reynolds' (R-IA) request for a federal disaster declaration for the State of Iowa. Nearly 60 counties in Iowa have experienced significant damage resulting from severe storms, heavy rain, and flooding that began on March 12, 2019.

In the letter, Senator Ernst wrote, "I've spent much of this week on the ground in Iowa surveying the damage and meeting with constituents and local, state, and federal officials. The devastation caused by the flooding is incomprehensible. I respectfully ask you to approve Governor Reynolds' request as expeditiously as possible."

The full letter is below, and can be found here (https://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/1cabe87b-b5a2-4f96-840c-fa6ff28958b9/78A59900FE7388008D3B81DD24215FE3.2019.03.22---disaster-declaration-letter-to-potus.pdf).

March 22, 2018

The Honorable Donald J. Trump

President of the United States

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has requested a major disaster declaration for the State of Iowa as a result of severe storms and flooding that have significantly impacted nearly 60 counties since March 12, 2019, causing an estimated $1.6 billion in damages. By requesting a major disaster declaration, Governor Reynolds has determined that the State of Iowa and local governments cannot effectively respond to this flooding incident without supplementary assistance from the federal government.

I've spent much of this week on the ground in Iowa surveying the damage and meeting with constituents and local, state, and federal officials. The devastation caused by the flooding is incomprehensible. I respectfully ask you to approve Governor Reynolds' request as expeditiously as possible.

I thank you for your consideration of this request, and will continue working with you and your administration to ensure Iowans receive the assistance they need.

Sincerely,

Joni K. Ernst

United States Senator