In a recent meeting held on July 8, 2025, the Osceola County Board of Supervisors addressed significant damage caused by recent disasters, which has led to a presidential disaster declaration affecting the county and its neighbors. This declaration opens the door for disaster recovery funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Iowa Department of Homeland Security.

The board has engaged SEC Engineering to evaluate the damages and assist in the application process for federal and state funds. Initially, 11 drainage districts were reviewed, but applications for disaster recovery funding were submitted for five districts and one subdistrict. The focus of the discussion centered on Joint Drainage Districts 1, 2, and 3, where specific damage assessments were presented.

Joint Drainage District 1 reported eight damaged sites, with a construction estimate of $117,555. The total project cost, including engineering and administration, is projected at $140,332. With federal and state funding, the district could receive approximately $114,286.75, leaving an unfunded balance of $26,045.

Joint Drainage District 2 has two damaged sites, with a construction estimate of $29,495 and a total project cost of $42,819. Potential funding assistance for this district is estimated at $35,143.25, resulting in an unfunded amount of $7,675.75.

For Joint Drainage District 3, three damaged sites were identified, with a construction estimate of $74,160 and a total project cost of $90,468. The district could receive about $73,746 in funding, leaving an unfunded balance of $16,722.

The board has submitted applications to FEMA and is currently awaiting a response regarding funding obligations. Some applications have been pending since April and May, raising concerns about the timeline for construction completion, which is set for December 31. The board initially hoped to commence repairs this fall, but uncertainty surrounding funding obligations may impact this timeline.

As the county navigates these challenges, the discussions highlight the critical need for timely disaster recovery funding to address infrastructure damages and ensure the community's resilience in the face of future disasters.