[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today praised the decision by President Obama to declare seven Illinois counties – Carroll, Cook, DuPage, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago – federal disaster areas. The President’s disaster declaration triggers the release of federal funds to help people and municipalities recover from severe storms, flooding, and flash flooding that occurred in late July.

“Although the flood waters have receded and the storms are long gone, residents and business owners are still facing a mountain of challenges. This Presidential disaster declaration will now start the process of matching needs with money,” said Durbin. “I am hopeful that the federal restoration efforts will begin dealing with the most seriously affected residents first.”

On August 17, Durbin and every member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation asked President Obama to declare seven Illinois counties federal disaster areas. All seven counties have been designated for Individual Assistance funding which provides assistance to individuals and businesses to help with temporary housing, home repairs or replacement and other disaster-related expenses. Additionally, all Illinois counties have been designated for Hazard Mitigation Assistance areas which include funding for measures designed to reduce future losses to public and private property.

Members who signed on to the letter earlier this week 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).