Durbin, Kirk and Delegation Call on President to Provide Federal Relief for Illinois Counties
[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) were joined by members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation today in requesting that President Obama issue a major disaster declaration for the State of Illinois and to provide relief to three Illinois counties – Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson – affected by severe storms and flooding that occurred in late July. A Presidential disaster declaration would allow cities and counties to apply for federal reimbursements to help pay for storm damage repairs.
“We write in support of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s request for a major disaster declaration and for Public Assistance for Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties,” the Illinois members wrote. “The State of Illinois has determined that state and local funds are not adequate to address the damage to public infrastructure and costs related to debris removal and emergency protective measures resulting from the July weather event…We respectfully request that you make the necessary declaration so that these three counties can receive the assistance they need to clean up and repair the damage to their communities.”
Late last week, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn sent a letter to President Obama requesting a major disaster declaration due to these counties recover from storms that brought 15 inches of rainfall and severe flooding that occurred on July 27 and 28, 2011.
Members signing on to today’s letter include Representatives Jerry Costello (D-IL), Danny Davis (D-IL), Robert Dold (R-IL), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Randy Hultgren (R-IL), Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), Tim Johnson (R-IL), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Dan Lipinski (D-IL), Don Manzullo (R-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Bobby Schilling (R-IL) Aaron Schock (R-IL), John Shimkus (R-IL) and Joe Walsh (R-IL).
[Text of the letter is below]
August 30, 2011
The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. President:
We write in support of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s request for a major disaster declaration and for Public Assistance for Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties. Federal assistance is necessary to help these counties recover from severe storms and flooding that occurred on July 27 and 28, 2011. A major disaster declaration will help local governments in these counties recover 75 percent of their disaster-related expenses. Governor Quinn also has requested assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help people and businesses in Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties who were affected by the 15 inches of rainfall recover from the damage.
The State of Illinois has determined that state and local funds are not adequate to address the damage to public infrastructure and costs related to debris removal and emergency protective measures resulting from the July weather event. A major disaster declaration would make hazard mitigation funds available to implement mitigation projects identified as a result of this disaster.
We respectfully request that you make the necessary declaration so that these three counties can receive the assistance they need to clean up and repair the damage to their communities. We thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this important request and stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.
Sincerely,