FEMA awards large sum of University of Iowa flood money

Senator Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, today said the University of Iowa's building replacement projects for Hancher Voxman Clapp and the Studio Arts Building, all damaged in the 2008 flood, will receive funds from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Hancher Voxman Clapp Building was awarded $74.2 million and the Studio Arts Building was awarded $32.5 million for permanent relocation and improvements.

The university is still awaiting notification of federal funding for the UI Musuem of Art, which FEMA has ruled was not damaged enough in the flood to warrant replacement. UI officials have appealed that ruling.

"The flooding and subsequent damage to the University of Iowa was a loss to the University and its students," Harkin said in a statement. "With this funding, the university will be aided in the reconstruction of these important buildings. Far more needs to be done as part of the rebuilding process, but this is a major step ahead in that process."