UPDATE - Sunday, President Obama signed a Presidential Disaster Declaration that now makes federal assistance available to families and businesses. This stems from the late July flash flooding.

It’s the same flooding that caused the Lake Delhi Dam breach on July 24th. 29 counties were added to that declaration including Delaware and Jones County.

“We never had it come on our land before,” said flood victim Roddy Stead, 87, of Monticello.

While most floodwaters have gone down from record flooding in July, the cleanup bill remains.

“Great Sunday morning news,” said Jones County Emergency Management Coordinator Brenda Leonard.

It’s news that President Obama signed a presidential disaster declaration making federal assistance available to flood affected home and business owners.

“I’m glad we did get the declaration that’s the first huge step to overcome,” said Leonard.

You can still see the effects of flooding weeks after. This area used to be covered with grass but when the water rose it came up this hill and flooded four homes in the Walnut Acre mobile Home Park.

“I’m sure there are more people that need it because we didn’t have any costs in what we cleaned up but there are a lot of people who did,” said Roddy Stead.

Monticello’s Roddy and Vance Stead say water only rose six inches and didn’t make it inside their home. But for others …

“I’m sure if there’s any damage it would help them,” said Stead.
Jones County Emergency Management Coordinator Brenda Leonard says the federal dollars could go to qualified people who’ve held on to key paperwork.

“Any documents they have. Damage, pictures, anything they’ve had to buy since the flooding,” said Leonard.

So how much can you get? Leonard says each disaster and each claim is different so it’s hard to say. Soon, Leonard says it’s likely that you’ll be able to stop in a local FEMA office for help.

“Since we’re right with Jackson County, Delaware, Dubuque, they might do a joint office,” said Leonard.

Details are limited, but Leonard says more help and information is on the way. You can immediately begin registering for assistance online. You must provide basic information to substantiate your losses. Your local government offices also will be able to help you fill out the paperwork.

How to register

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties may immediately begin registering for assistance online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time). Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves, details on insurance coverage, and any other information to help substantiate losses.