On Saturday, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced more than $44 million of relief has been allocated to the State of Iowa by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The money will be used to help offset expenses related to the COVID-19 response. “Our health care workers are on the frontlines, battling the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have the State of Iowa’s full support,” says Reynolds. “FEMA’s reimbursement will allow Iowa to buy additional personal protective equipment (PPE). We appreciate President Trump and his team for supporting the health and safety of Iowans during this unprecedented crisis.” The funds were approved by President Trump on March 23 for the March and April response efforts and emergency protective measures. The $44 million is a 75 percent federal share of the total cost of the approximately $59 million submitted to FEMA by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Although Iowa was to cover the remaining 25 percent, the state has requested 100 percent coverage from FEMA.
