Governors' Wind Energy Coalition

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) is asking lawmakers for $15 million from the ending balance of the current year’s budget for immediate work on levees and repairs in flooded communities. She’s also seeking $10 million from next year’s budget to accelerate housing improvements.

Reynolds announced her request yesterday, saying federal money often takes months or years to arrive.

Reynolds also announced the creation of a Flood Recovery Advisory Board, which will coordinate state recovery efforts. Reynolds said she’ll lead the panel of up to 15 people.

Flooding in March damaged more than 50 levees stretching about 250 miles along the Missouri River. Reynolds said 25,000 homes were destroyed or have major damage and more than 4,200 businesses were affected.

Early damage estimates provided to the federal government for a disaster declaration total $1.6 billion, but Reynolds said that is likely to grow.