Iowa has been declared a federal disaster area by President Donald Trump.

The President approved Gov. Kim Reynolds' request for a Major Disaster Declaration for COVID-19. The declaration removes a $5 million cap on federal funds and activates the Community Disaster Loan program, which provides operational funding for local governments to continue operating following a substantial revenue loss caused the coronavirus pandemic.

“I want to thank President Trump for his quick response in approving Iowa’s disaster declaration because it will open up federal resources to Iowa as we combat the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Reynolds said in a news release. “This outbreak is an unprecedented crisis for the entire nation and it’s going to take a whole-of-government approach to limit the spread of the virus and provide economic relief to all of those impacted.”

The declaration provides assistance for work and services to save lives and protect property, to include emergency protective measures.

Gov. Reynolds has also asked for activation of the federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance and Crisis Counseling programs and statewide Hazard Mitigation Assistance funding. According to the press release, those portions of her request are still under consideration.

The Governor holds a daily news conference at 2:30 PM to update Iowans on the coronavirus pandemic. To view the live stream, CLICK HERE.

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