Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has sent a letter to President Barack Obama requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration as a result of tornadoes and severe storms that occurred in western and northwest Iowa April 9^th and 10th.

The Public Assistance Program, which provides assistance to public entities and select nonprofit agencies, is being requested for: Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Pocahontas and Sac Counties. Public Assistance funding may be used to rebuild damaged infrastructure that may include roads, bridges, culverts, and other public facilities, or to cover costs of emergency work during debris removal after the storms.

Branstad has also requested from the Small Business Administration (SBA) a Physical Disaster Declaration for Monona and Pocahontas counties due to a tornado and severe storms that devastated more than 350 homes and/or businesses April 9-10. The Disaster Loan Program allows for low-interest loans to be made available for the victims of a disaster.