The Des Moines River continues to fall in Webster County.

On Monday, Webster County Emergency Management reported the river at 14.21 feet. It is expected to fall throughout the week. The National Weather Service has forecast additional rainfall for the coming week which may affect river levels, though it’s not anticipated to create significant flooding again.

“We’ve dropped three feet since the river crested Thursday,” said Webster County Emergency Management Coordinator Dylan Hagen. “With what we know right now about the forecasted rain this week, we think it will only slow the fall versus add to flood levels. Of course, we will be monitoring this and will let folks know if that changes.”

More than 23,000 sandbags were placed throughout Webster County last week. Those sandbags can be removed when property owners feel that it is appropriate to do so. Webster County residents outside of the city limits of Fort Dodge can place sandbags at the edge of their road by July 10.

On the morning of July 11, the Webster County Roads Department will begin collecting them. If residents in the city limits or outside of Fort Dodge would like to keep the sandbags, they are also free to do so. Residents in Fort Dodge who would like to get rid of their sandbags can also return them to the original L Street and Hydro-Electric Park sandbagging locations. The city asks that the sand be emptied into the pile on-site and the empty bags placed in the nearby trash bins.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster emergency proclamation for Humboldt and Webster counties for the flooding. This proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and Disaster Care Advocacy Program.

According to Upper Des Moines Opportunity, “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. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals 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 about the grant opportunities, affected residents can call UDMO in Fort Dodge at (515) 576-7774.