WASHINGTON – In response to the devastation in the Midwest as a result of severe storms, tornados and flooding, the 12 governors of the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) sent a letter to Congress requesting quick federal action to assist in recovery, redevelopment and disaster mitigation.

Due to the scope of the damage, the current cost estimates far exceed the level of destruction from the floods that devastated the Midwest in 1993. The governors of the MGA realize this will be a long and expensive process that will require both state and federal assistance. It is imperative in the process that funding from the federal government comes as quickly as possible.

“The images and firsthand accounts from the people affected show just how devastating this storm was – many people have lost their entire livelihood,” South Dakota Governor and chair of MGA Mike Rounds said. “It is important for us as a region, and as a nation, to pull together behind helping those in the affected regions, both the people who have suffered losses and those who are working hard on the recovery effort.”

Michigan Governor and vice chair of MGA Jennifer Granholm stated, “We stand ready to assist our citizens and our neighbors, but need the support of the federal government to ensure that lives and economies can get back on track quickly.”

“As Governor of Iowa, I am committed to doing whatever necessary to help our state recover from this year’s historic flooding and severe weather,” said Governor Chet Culver of Iowa. “I want to thank my fellow Midwestern Governors for their support and commitment to helping the people of Iowa, and those throughout the Midwest, recover from these floods as quickly as possible. We are strong. We are resilient. And with the help of those throughout our state and across the country, I know we can rebuild the Great State of Iowa.”

The Midwestern Governors Association is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings together the governors of 12 states to work cooperatively on public policy issues of significance to the Midwestern region. In addition to Rounds and Granholm, the current members of the Midwestern Governors Association include: Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, Gov. Matt Blunt of Missouri, along with: Gov. Rod Blagojevich (IL), Gov. Mitch Daniels (IN), Gov. Chet Culver (IA), Gov. Tim Pawlenty (MN), Gov. Dave Heineman (NE), Gov. John Hoeven (ND), Gov. Ted Strickland (OH), and Gov. Jim Doyle (WI).