The FEMA office in Kansas City is currently evaluating Kalona’s storm damage to determine if the city is eligible for federal assistance. City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh says he and Washington County Engineer Jacob Thorius met with Iowa Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives recently to outline the damage the county sustained earlier this month.

The flooding is estimated to have cost the city $197,000. That includes the removal of debris, replacing the lift station’s bar screen and damage to the storm sewer and 6th Street.

If Kalona is included in a presidential disaster declaration, the city could receive funding for repairs. Schlabaugh says the declaration could be made as early as next week.