Des Moines, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — State Representative Megan Jones invited local leaders from Spencer to the statehouse to testify at the Local Government Committee she chairs and extended an invitation to Speaker Pat Grassley to stop by for a few minutes. What she got instead was a full face-to-face sit-down meeting for the group in the Speaker’s chambers Tuesday afternoon.

Grassley said he’s aware of the devastation floods cause.

But more importantly, Grassley indicated in an interview with Northwestiowanow.com he’s actively looking for relief dollars in the state budget.

 

Spencer City Administrator Kevin Robinson and SMU CEO Steve Pick asked for assistance paying for the one-million-dollar analysis of the water treatment plant and sewer system that is necessary to qualify for FEMA funds.

Robinson also requested financial help for Clay County updating to digital radio equipment compatible with the state network, and funding to bring Iowa Flood Center monitoring equipment to Northwest Iowa.

Chamber Director and Flood Relief Coordinator Sheriffa Jones stressed to the Speaker the entire region was impacted by the flood, not just Spencer; and also – for the first time publicly – expressed frustration with all of the red tape. Grassley was also sympathetic to that.

 

Councilman Loren Reit and Corridor Development Director Curt Strouth emphasized to the speaker that resources being diverted to flood recovery have stalled many economic development projects that were already in motion.

Representative Jones also set up a meeting with members of the Iowa Senate Tuesday, as any flood relief bills will need to pass in both chambers.  Governor Reynolds has already indicated her willingness to sign.