Durbin and Illinois Delegation Members Call On President to Provide Federal Relief for Seven Illinois Counties

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) were joined by members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation today in requesting that President Obama declare seven Illinois counties – Carroll, Cook, DuPage, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago – federal disaster areas. Members signing on to today’s letter include Senator Roland Burris (D-IL) Representatives Melissa Bean (D-IL), Judy Biggert (R-IL), Jerry Costello (D-IL), Danny Davis (D-IL), Bill Foster (D-IL), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Debbie Halverson (D-IL), Phil Hare (D-IL), Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), Tim Johnson (R-IL), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Dan Lipinski (D-IL), Don Manzullo (R-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Peter Roskam (R-IL), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Aaron Schock (R-IL) and John Shimkus (R-IL).

“We write to support Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s request for a federal disaster declaration for seven counties in northern Illinois affected by severe storms, flooding, and flash flooding that occurred in late July,” wrote the Illinois Congressional Delegation members. “The flood waters impacted thousands of Illinois residents and numerous communities causing sewer backups, damaging basements and first floor living areas, washing away bridges and roadways, and leaving significant debris for removal. We thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this request and stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.”

Severe storms and torrential rains last month led to flooding and flash flooding that destroyed or damaged more than 450 homes, while thousands more residences and businesses were affected. Governor Quinn has already declared these counties state disaster areas. With a federal disaster declaration, individuals and households in these seven counties would be eligible for grants to help with temporary housing, home repairs or replacement and other disaster-related expenses. Residents and businesses could also be eligible for low-interest Small Business Administration loans.

Text of the letter appears below:

August 17, 2010

The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States

The White House

Washington, D. C.

Dear Mr. President:

We write to support Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s request for a federal disaster declaration for seven counties in northern Illinois affected by severe storms, flooding, and flash flooding that occurred in late July. Governor Quinn has already declared these counties state disaster areas.

Severe storms and torrential rains led to flooding and flash flooding that damaged or destroyed residences, businesses, and other structures in the following seven counties: Carroll, Cook, DuPage, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago. The flood waters impacted thousands of Illinois residents and numerous communities causing sewer backups, damaging basements and first floor living areas, washing away bridges and roadways, and leaving significant debris for removal.

The Governor has determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and the affected local governments and that Federal assistance is necessary. Governor Quinn is specifically requesting Individual Assistance including the Individuals and Households Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling and Small Business Administration Disaster Loans for Carroll, Cook, DuPage, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties; and Hazard Mitigation Assistance for all counties Statewide.

We appreciate FEMA’s assistance to date and respectfully request that you make the necessary declaration to allow residents and communities in the affected areas to receive the federal disaster assistance essential for a successful recovery. We thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this request and stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.

Sincerely,

Dick Durbin

U.S. Senator

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