Essential Estrogen

Gov. Chet Culver joined with federal officials this morning to tour the damage left behind in eastern Iowa communities when a deadly tornado ripped through the area Sunday evening.

Parkersburg, a community of 1,890 people, suffered extensive damage on its south side. Officials estimate that 222 homes and 21 businesses -- including City Hall and the high school -- were destroyed. It is estimated that an additional 400 homes were damaged.

Culver issued a disaster proclamation Sunday evening that included Butler County, where Parkersburg is located, as well as neighboring Black Hawk County and Buchanan County. The proclamation activated Iowa's Individual Disaster Assistance program for people with low incomes. Iowans with household incomes of up to 130 percent of federal poverty guidelines may apply for a grant of up to $3,300 that will reimbursement expenses from uninsured losses. Culver also announced that he would not be attending traditional Memorial Day services in Des Moines so that he could tour the affected areas today.

"We are here to give our support," Culver said during a press conference this morning. "We are resilient Iowans and we will get through this."

Culver was joined at the press conference by Sen. Chuck Grassley, Sen. Tom Harkin and Congressman Bruce Braley. Grassley, who owns a farm near New Hartford, was visibly shaken by the damage both to his hometown and the greater devastation in Parkersburg.

"There is just so much hurt here," Grassley said. "I don't know where to start."

Four adult Parkersburg residents lost their lives in the storm. Many others were transported to local hospitals with varying degrees of injury. Two other adults in New Hartford, roughly 9 miles down the road, also lost their lives.

Following the tour of the devastated areas, Braley issued the following statement:

I've never seen devastation like I saw this morning in Parkersburg and New Hartford. The impact of last night's storm in these Iowa towns is tragic and overwhelming. But even in the face of death and devastation, the people of Parkersburg and New Hartford have demonstrated remarkable courage and strength.

In these difficult times, I'm confident that the resilient spirit of these communities will give them the strength to rebuild and see them through to better days ahead. The people of Parkersburg, New Hartford, Dunkerton and Hazelton will continue to draw strength from their friends and neighbors and prove once again why Iowa is such a great place.

"Today, I have had the opportunity to see first-hand the damage from yesterday's severe weather," Culver said in a prepared statement followign the tour. "As I have talked with those affected by this destructive tornado, I have offered the full resources of state government to help these communities in their recovery efforts. I have been impressed by the resilience of those I have met, and I am confident that these communities will rebuild stronger than ever."

Culver indicated that he has received approval from the White House and that federal aid will be coming to the community. He also thanked those who have been on the ground since the tornado struck around 5 p.m. on Sunday. Iowans seeking disaster assistance should phone (877) 937-3663 or visit the Iowa Homeland Security Web site.