HCR 105 – Urge FEMA to reverse Iowa disaster aid denial
COMMITTEE & FLOOR ACTION:
HCR 105 [SCR 102] urges Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and specifically FEMA Region VII officials to reconsider the funding denial for local rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities following an April 9 storm that caused millions of dollars in damage to electrical utility lines in northwest Iowa. The ice storms were so extensive and severe that a presidential disaster declaration was issued May 6. On August 30, FEMA denied $19 million in funding to help restore the lines because the utilities did not conduct “comprehensive laboratory testing.” This was based on recent FEMA action to change the conditions that must be met to receive federal disaster aid. Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives officials note that such annual testing on every mile of wire is not an industry practice and not a requirement to meet any industry or engineering standard. The Iowa Utilities Board, which regulates Iowa’s electric utilities, requires them to submit reliability plans and inspection and maintenance plans but does not mandate annual testing. The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has filed a formal appeal, in conjunction with Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, Lyon Rural Electric Cooperative, Osceola Electric Cooperative, and Sanborn Electric and Telecommunications Utility. FEMA officials have 90 days to evaluate the appeal and issue a determination. The concurrent resolutions by the Iowa Senate (SCR 102) and Iowa House of Representatives (HCR 105) further support the appeal and also urge FEMA to reconsider its rule change and return to the policy that had been in place nationwide. The Iowa Legislature will send copies to FEMA and FEMA Region VII administrators, and to all six members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation who have also signed two letters urging FEMA to reconsider this decision. [Committee 1/13: short form; Floor 1/14: unanimous voice vote]