T-R PHOTO BY HANS MADSEN Gov. Kim Reynolds visits with community leaders at the Marshalltown Fire Department Headquarters Friday afternoon. Later she toured the city to see the tornado damage firsthand.

Gov. Kim Reynolds visited with community leaders at the Marshalltown Fire Department Headquarters Friday afternoon and she later toured the city to see the tornado damage firsthand.

“When you bring in businesses and you bring in Iowans — I have seen high school kids, baseball players and football players in Bondurant. Hy-Vee had trucks ready to go. The Red Cross is on the ground providing cleanup kits and food and shelter,” Reynolds said. “You guys got the paper out this morning. The staff went to Tama, I understand, and was able to figure out a way to get information to your readers. It’s important we keep people updated.”

Reynolds said a disaster declaration has been issued for Marshall County. The declaration will provide individual assistance for low-income individuals and state resources that are needed.

On the efforts of the Marshalltown community, Reynolds said, “Unbelievable, amazing and inspiring how people come together. Our emergency managers in these communities have been amazing. They work hand in hand with first responders. The coordination and communication has been unbelievable.”

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level or a maximum annual income of $41,560 for a family of three.

Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food and temporary housing expenses.

Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery.

The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website.

Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.

Disaster Case Management is a program to address serious needs to overcome a disaster-related hardship, injury or adverse condition. Disaster case managers work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice and referral to obtain a service or resource.

There are no income eligibility requirements for this program. It closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation. For more information visit iowacommunityaction.org. Residents of Marshall County are asked to report damage to help local and state officials better understand the damage sustained. Damage to property roads, utilities and other storm-related information may be reported. This information will be collected by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and shared with local emergency management agencies. Report damage through the form provided by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.