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Storm Response

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June 2021 Flash Flood

The City of Marion is working to assess damages and gather information from residents who were impacted by the flash flooding event that occurred in Marion on June 25-26, 2021.

Gov. Reynolds Issues Disaster Proclamation for Linn County

Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation on June 28 for Linn, Monroe, and Wapello counties in response to severe weather beginning June 24 and continuing. 

The governor's proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program for qualifying residents, along with the Disaster Case Management Program, for those three counties. 

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website at https://dhs.iowa.gov/disaster-assistance-programs. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim. 

The Disaster Case Management Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case managers work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referral to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor's proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Management Program, contact your local community action association or visit www.iowacommunityaction.org. 

Curbside Collection Available; Call to Schedule

The City of Marion’s Public Services Department will collect bulky items for residents who were impacted by the flash flooding event. This service is being offered free of charge.

Any items that sustained water damage due to the flash flooding event will be collected, except for toxic/hazardous materials, propane tanks, auto parts, concrete and roofing materials. The debris should be placed between the sidewalk and curb for collection.

To schedule a pick-up, residents must call the Public Services Department at 319-377-6367. Office hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The department anticipates performing collections until July 9, 2021.

Damage Assessments

Employees of the City’s Building Services Division will be out in the community performing damage assessments and evaluating structures for safety.

Flood Kits

The American Red Cross and Salvation Army have provided free flood clean-up kits for Marion residents. The kits include mops, bleach, gloves and other supplies to assist in the clean-up of flood-impacted areas. City employees will be glad to deliver kits upon request or they are available for pick-up at Marion City Hall between 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. To request to have a kit delivered, please call 319-743-6301.

Winslow Road Bridge Now Open

The south bridge over Indian Creek between Tower Terrace Road and Winslow Road has reopened. It was inspected and found to be structurally sound.

Electrical Inspections

The Building Services Division would like remind residents to have their electrical wiring inspected by a professional. According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), electrical wiring that has been submersed can develop corrosion and is at risk of starting fires.

“Almost all electrical wiring installed inside the home is not rated to be wet,” said City of Marion Building Official Gary Hansen. “In situations where flooding or flash flooding occurs, it is imperative that flooded electrical circuits or submerged furnaces or electrical appliances are replaced.”

Inspectors within the Building Services Division are available to answer questions or provide more information at 319-743-6330.


August 2020 Derecho

Help for Homeowners

The PATCH Program provides housing rehab help in the form of financial assistance or construction management support to qualified homeowners. The program provides up $15,000 in loans, some of which may be forgivable. Visit ecicog.org/patch to learn about the program qualifications. To apply, call 319-366-7999.

Storm Debris Collection

If you’re continuing to clear tree debris caused by the derecho, you can call the Public Services Department for a special pick-up. Contractors are no longer collecting it at the curb free of charge. Brush collections are scheduled for every Tuesday and must be pre-paid the week prior to the collection. Fees for brush collections are $40 for every 15 minutes of service.

Debris Removal from Waterways

March 4 Update
A contractor for the City is removing tree debris from Marion’s waterways. Maps have been created to break the waterways into sections and designate access points. Crews are working on Sections 11-14 as shown below. View larger images via this PDF file. Residents whose property is adjacent to the access points have been notified via door hangers.

The yellow line denotes the section limits. The red triangle shows the proposed access point. The thin blue lines that are in and around the waterway denotes the five year floodplain.

To Report Sidewalk Damage

The City of Marion is working to assess sidewalk damage that occurred during the Aug. 10 derecho or as a result of the clean-up effort. While we don’t have all of the answers, an inventory to understand the extent of damages will help determine next steps and who is responsible for making repairs going forward. Click the button below to report damage.

To Report Property Damage

Was your property damaged by one of the City's sub-contractors during the clean-up process? Please complete this form and submit photos to report the damage

Local Assistance

  • Call Waypoint at 319-366-7999 to request assistance with housing, household damage or debris cleanup needs
  • Call HACAP at 319-739-0056 for other derecho recovery needs

If you are a volunteer, please email  volunteer@uweci.org or visit www.uweci.org/volunteernow for current volunteer projects.

Additional resources are available at:https://www.linndisasterinfo.com/storm

Disaster Recovery Fund

A Disaster Recovery Fund has been set up through the Marion Chamber Foundation. Funding will go towards filling immediate human needs and recovery efforts in Marion. To donate, visit: https://bit.ly/MarionDisasterRecoveryFund

Resources

Assistance
FEMA

Emergency Proclamations

  • Proclamation 1 - Aug. 11 - state of emergency, curfew established
  • Proclamation 2 - Aug. 13 - storm repairs exempt from public bidding, burn ban established
  • Proclamation 3 -Aug. 19 - business registration requirements, hours of operation, minor repair permit fees waived, updated curfew hours, increase City Manager's spending authority related to disaster response
  • Proclamation 4 - Aug. 22 - curfew rescinded
  • Proclamation 5 - Sept. 22 - burn ban rescinded

Daily Updates

Press Conferences

City staff hosted a press conference on Friday, Aug. 14 to provide updates on the City's response efforts. Find a link to the video coverage.

A second press conference was held on Friday, Aug. 21. Here's a link to the video coverage.