NEW HARTFORD - Today, Governor Chet Culver spoke with President Bush and requested an expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration to assist residents of Butler County affected by Sunday’s tornadoes.

"Today, I have had the opportunity to see first-hand the damage from yesterday's severe weather," said Governor Culver. "As I have talked with those affected by this destructive tornado, I have offered the full resources of state government to help these communities in their recovery efforts. I have been impressed by the resilience of those I have met, and I am confident that these communities will rebuild stronger than ever."

The Governor has requested expedited federal assistance for work and services to save lives and protect property to include debris removal, long-term housing and sheltering, security, firefighting, continuity of government, command and control, and communications. In addition, Governor Culver has requested the activation of the Individual Assistance Program (including the Individuals and Households Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and Crisis Counseling); Public Assistance Program; Hazard Mitigation; and Small Business Administration Disaster Loans for Butler County.

Yesterday, Governor Culver issued a disaster proclamation for three Iowa counties - Black Hawk, Buchanan, and Butler -- freeing up state resources to help those affected.

In addition the Governor's proclamation activated Iowa's Individual Disaster Assistance program for people with low incomes. Iowans with household incomes of up to 130 percent of federal poverty guidelines may apply for a grant of up to $3,300 to help recover from tornado damage. The governor emphasized that this is a reimbursement program, meaning that applicants must include receipts for uninsured loss when applying for help.

The grant application and step-by-step instructions on how to fill it out are found on the front page of the Department of Human Services Web site: http://dhs.iowa.gov/. Look for the words “Storm Help” or call toll-free 877-937-3663 to find out more.