President Obama declares Franklin County a disaster area

For the second time in two years, Franklin County has been declared a disaster area by the federal government.

     President Barack Obama and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared Franklin County and 25 other Iowa counties disaster areas last week following a request from Gov. Terry Branstad. The declaration stems from damages sustained during severe weather June 14-23, which caused flooding, high speed winds, tornadoes and hail.

     Butler and Wright counties were also included in the declaration.

     “It makes it so federal dollars are available for county governments and certain non-profit organizations to assist with repairs,” said Thomas Craighton, Franklin County Emergency Management Coordinator. “Non-profit power cooperatives like Franklin REC and Corn Belt can be reimbursed with the money as well.”

Read the full article in the July 30 edition of the Hampton Chronicle.