[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today praised the decision by President Obama to make seven Illinois counties – Adams, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Pike, Schuyler, and Stephenson Counties – eligible for Public Assistance to help people and municipalities recover from severe storms, flooding, and flash flooding that occurred in late July. The declaration also left open the possibility that additional designations may be made after further evaluation.

“The storms in July led to severe flooding that impacted thousands of Illinois residents and numerous communities causing sewer backups, washing away bridges and roadways, and leaving significant debris for removal,” said Durbin. “This designation today will help local governments rebuild and restore services in the affected communities.”

Today’s announcement of Public Assistance eligibility allows the State of Illinois, local governments, and certain non-profit organizations to apply for grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help with debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities.

On September 1, Durbin joined the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation to support Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s request that President Obama declare thirteen Illinois counties – Adams, Carroll, Cook, DuPage, Jo Daviess, Lee, Mercer, Ogle, Pike, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stephenson and Winnebago – federal disaster areas eligible for federal assistance.