Governor declares disaster emergency for Johnson County

IOWA CITY - Gov. Terry Branstad declared Johnson County a disaster emergency Monday, opening some state aid as the county recovers from severe weather.

The storms, which began late last week, 'significantly impacted” the county, according to a sate news release. The declaration allows state resources to be tapped in the county's recovery and for residents under the Iowa Individual Assistance Program.

The assistance program provides grants that can help pay for home and car repairs, temporary housing expenses or replacement of food and clothing. Households that are income eligible can receive up to $5,000 in assistance.

Those households can make no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or an annual income of up to $40,320 for a family of three.

Residents have 45 days to apply. Instructions and applications can be found on the Iowa Department of Human Services website or dhs.iowa.gov.

Residents in Benton, Wright and Webster counties are eligible for the program as well.