On Thursday night, Gov. Kim Reynolds’ office announced President Trump had partially approved her request for federal aid for individuals and businesses affected by the Aug. 10 derecho. On Monday, the president approved the Public Assistance part of Reynolds’ major disaster declaration request. FEMA Public Assistance provides federal aid for the repair of public infrastructure […]
Cedar Rapids News
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Cedar Rapids changes curfew hours and relocates a Neighborhood Resource Center; Red Cross shelter in Palo closes
As storm clean-up continues throughout Linn County, Cedar Rapids announced changes to both its nightly curfew and to one of its Neighborhood Resource Centers on Tuesday. The closure of the pod food distribution centers and one of the emergency shelters set up by the American Red Cross in Linn County were also announced. Cedar Rapids’ […]
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President Trump approved only a small percentage of the federal aid requested for Iowa
On Monday morning, President Donald Trump told reporters he had approved the request for a major disaster declaration submitted at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday by Gov. Kim Reynolds. “I’ve just approved an emergency declaration for Iowa who had an incredible windstorm,” he said, just before leaving the White House on a campaign trip to Minnesota […]
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About 40 percent of Linn County residents are still without power; Cedar Rapids prohibiting outdoor fires
A week after a derecho wreaked havoc on Iowa, almost 40 percent of Linn County residents are still without electricity. Linn County was one of the areas in the state hit hardest by the storm. A total of 41,104 customers — 36.7 percent — are without power in the county, as of Monday at noon. […]
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Cedar Rapids is setting up neighborhood resource centers; bus service will resume on Monday
Cedar Rapids is setting up five neighborhood resource centers to create central locations where residents can get information about services and food. • Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Blvd SW • Northwest Recreation Center parking lot, 1340 11th St NW • St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 1340 3rd Ave SE • ROC Center, 1202 10th St SE […]
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From hot showers to baby supplies, a local grassroots group is compiling post-storm resources and volunteer opportunities online
North Liberty is opening its Community Center to anyone in need of a place to charge their electronic devices or a hot shower. The center at 520 W Cherry St will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outlets for charging phones, laptops and other small electronic devices will be […]
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Shelter, internet and tree debris disposal locations announced in Cedar Rapids
Additional resources for Cedar Rapids residents who need shelter, internet access or to dispose of tree debris have been announced. The Linn County Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross and the city of Cedar Rapids opened a shelter at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 50 2nd Avenue Bridge. The shelter opened at 8 p.m. on Friday. “Individuals […]
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Food and water pick-up locations in Cedar Rapids, Marion this weekend
Below are publicly announced events where food and water will be distributed on Saturday and Sunday. Ongoing Linn County Emergency Management Agency announced three locations in Linn County that will have food, water and ice. Starting Saturday, the locations will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The drive-through assistance locations are located […]
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Gov. Reynolds will apply for federal disaster assistance on Monday
Gov. Kim Reynolds will be submitting an application to the federal government on Monday, asking President Trump to issue a major disaster declaration for storm-damaged areas in Iowa. Reynolds made the announcement during a press conference in Cedar Rapids, one of the cities hit hardest by Monday’s derecho. “The destruction was indescribable,” Reynolds said on […]
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Iowa National Guard starts working on Linn County storm damage
Four days after a derecho swept through Iowa, the Iowa National Guard has been deployed to Linn County. State Sen. Liz Mathis posted on Facebook Thursday evening that “approximately 100 engineers will be fanning out over Linn County to assess damage tomorrow (Friday) and then work with our Linn County Emergency Management Agency to prioritize […]
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‘Every area of our city has seen destruction’: Local and state leaders call on Gov. Reynolds to deploy National Guard to Cedar Rapids to help with storm damage
Every area of Cedar Rapids has seen destruction from the derecho that swept through Iowa on Monday, City Manager Jeff Pomeranz said. The destruction is more extensive than what the city experienced in the floods of 2008 and 2016, he added. “This is a greater impact than we’ve ever seen in this community,” Pomeranz said […]
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State assistance available for Johnson and Linn County households that had storm damage
People in Johnson and Linn County whose homes suffered damage during the derecho may be eligible for financial assistance through the Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant Program (IIAGP). The program, which is run by the Iowa Department of Human Services, reimburses individuals for home repair expenses, some of the cost of temporary housing and purchases […]
