Northwest Iowa (RI) – Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra says after flooding hit communities in his district in mid-2024, he’s been meeting regularly with FEMA officials to talk about progress, and Feenstra says he’s pushing FEMA to approve federal funding for buyouts flood-damaged properties.
Under FEMA’s buyout program, 75% of the funding comes from the federal government. The state is required to provide 10% and the remaining 15% is the responsibility of the local government or city.
Sioux County, along with the cities of Spencer, Rock Rapids, Rock Valley, Hawarden and Correctionville have submitted applications for federal funding to help buy homes that are unlivable due to last year’s damage or in an area that frequently floods. Estherville and Cherokee are working on their applications.
Feenstra, a Republican who’s running for governor, says if he’s elected, he’d set goals for how his administration would respond to Iowa disasters.
Feenstra says he has an upcoming meeting with FEMA officials. He’s also asked to meet with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem who oversees FEMA.
Feenstra was in Washington, D.C. Tuesday where congress has reconvened and is wrestling with what to about Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the month.
Americans with an annual income below 400% of the poverty line will still receive federal tax credits next year, but without congressional action the health insurance subsidies expanded to other Americans in 2021 will expire December 31st. In October, Feenstra said those subsidies that were established during the pandemic are too expensive for the federal government and congress should find other ways to reduce health care premium costs.
KIWA Staff Photo
