Ernst Joins Iowa Delegation in Requesting Expedited Disaster Aid for Iowa Counties Following Severe Flooding

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), along with U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), this week urged President Donald Trump to approve Governor Kim Reynolds' request for a major disaster declaration following severe weather and heavy rainfall that struck Iowa between July 1 and 4, 2026.

The severe weather brought high winds, flash flooding, and widespread river flooding across Iowa's river basins, causing extensive damage to critical infrastructure and private property.

In addition to requesting statewide hazard mitigation assistance, Governor Reynolds requested funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Public Assistance Program to help repair damaged public infrastructure and facilities and reimburse eligible emergency response and debris removal costs.

The FEMA Public Assistance Program request includes the following counties:

• Jasper County
• Polk County
• Story County
• Warren County

Read the Iowa delegation's full letter to the president HERE.

Background:

On July 24, 2026, Governor Reynolds announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration approved her request to provide disaster assistance to eight counties impacted by the severe storms: Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Polk, Story, and Warren counties. Read more HERE.

Disaster loan applications can be submitted online at lending.sba.gov or in person at designated disaster assistance centers.

Iowans impacted by the severe storms who need assistance navigating available federal resources are encouraged to contact Senator Ernst's office or visit ernst.senate.gov.

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