06.02.09

Durbin and Illinois Delegation Urge President Obama to Provide Federal Assistance to Illinois Counties Affected by Severe Storms

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) led members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation today in asking President Obama to provide request for federal assistance for six counties in southern Illinois as a result of severe storms in May. Preliminary Damage Assessments have indicated that more than 260 homes sustained major damage during the storms. Governor Quinn has already declared these counties – Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Saline, Randolph, and Williamson Counties – state disaster areas.

 

“We write to support Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s request for federal assistance for six counties in southern Illinois as a result of severe storms in May,” wrote the Illinois members. “The storms uprooted large trees, caused large power outages throughout the region, and cut off communication links such as telephone and cellular towers.

They continued: “At least four natural disasters have impacted Illinois in the last year alone, including historic levels of flooding in September 2008. These events have exhausted the resources of state and local governments, making federal assistance necessary to help these communities recover. We appreciate FEMA’s assistance to date and request the necessary declaration to make residents of affected areas eligible for the federal disaster assistance essential for a successful recovery.”

Durbin was joined by Senator Roland Burris (D-IL), and Representatives Jerry Costello (D-IL), John Shimkus (R-IL), Melissa Bean (D-IL), Bill Foster (D-IL), Debbie Halvorson (D-IL), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Aaron Schock (R-IL) today’s request for federal assistance.

 

[text of letter below]

 

 

 

 

 

President Obama,

We write to support Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s request for federal assistance for six counties in southern Illinois as a result of severe storms in May. Governor Quinn has already declared these counties state disaster areas.

 

Six impacted counties - Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Saline, Randolph, and Williamson – suffered major damage as a result of severe storms. The National Weather Service determined that a “derecho” moved through southern Illinois earlier this month, producing straight-line winds in excess of 100mph. The storms uprooted large trees, caused large power outages throughout the region, and cut off communication links such as telephone and cellular towers.

 

A Preliminary Damage Assessment was conducted the week of May 25, 2009. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that costs incurred by State and local governments and electrical cooperatives for storm and wind-related damage, along with permanent repair or replacement of property, is expected to exceed $26 million.

 

The state is requesting Individual Assistance for residents in Franklin, Jackson, Saline, Randolph, and Williamson Counties, where Preliminary Damage Assessments indicate more than 260 homes sustained major damage. In addition, the state has also requested Public Assistance to help cover the costs of debris removal, emergency protective measures, and public utility restoration for local governments in Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Saline, Randolph, and Williamson Counties.

 

At least four natural disasters have impacted Illinois in the last year alone, including historic levels of flooding in September 2008. These events have exhausted the resources of state and local governments, making federal assistance necessary to help these communities recover. We appreciate FEMA’s assistance to date and request the necessary declaration to make residents of affected areas eligible for the federal disaster assistance essential for a successful recovery.

 

We thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this urgent request and stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.