[Council Bluffs] Residents who were impacted by April storms and June flooding in Pottawattamie County now have access to a long-term disaster recovery center starting Monday, September 30, 2024. In partnership with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Pottawattamie County Emergency Operations Center will serve as a centralized location for disaster survivors in Pottawattamie County to access disaster case advocacy services, assistance with their federal assistance applications and process, and receive information and assistance with obtaining access to local and state assistance programs they may qualify for.

The Long-term Disaster Recovery Center (LT-DRC) will be staffed with local emergency management personnel, state disaster case advocates, and representatives from FEMAs Individual Assistance Program and the Small Business Administration. Doug Reed, Pott. County Emergency Management Director says “489 residents have registered for federal assistance in Pottawattamie County. Some are in the process, others that have been denied are encouraged to appeal, and many others may be eligible for additional state and local assistance programs. The activation of the LT-DRC will serve as an ongoing resource for those impacted by this year’s disasters and a place where they can find help navigating through the process.”

Pott. County EMA

The LT-DRC will open Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Pottawattamie County Emergency Operations Center at 205 S Main St, Council Bluffs, and will operate Monday through Friday from 9am – 5pm. The center will continue to operate until there is no further identifiable need for the resource. Any resident impacted by the disasters who need assistance navigating the recovery process, has a question about their FEMA or SBA status, needs assistance with their federal assistance  applications, needs to file an appeal on a denied federal application, or needs ongoing assistance with unmet needs is  encouraged to visit the LT-DRC during its hours of operations.

Alternate operating hours are being considered and planned to maximize opportunities for those who may need assistance from the center. Residents with ongoing or unmet needs can also get connected to assistance by completing the online Pottawattamie County Needs Assessment Survey.