Durbin, Obama: IL Delegation Members Urge Bush to Provide Federal Assistance to Fifteen Southern Illinois Counties

Federal Disaster Funds Requested in Wake of Severe Flooding

April 9, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today asked President Bush to declare fifteen southern Illinois counties federal disaster areas after severe flooding hit the area late last month.

Road closed after winter flooding, Illinois: Photo by tlindenbaum (CC)

The Illinois Senators were joined by Congressmen Jerry Costello (D-IL) and John Shimkus (R-IL) in their request for federal assistance for the following counties: Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White and Williamson.

The Illinois members wrote: "This is the fourth flood event for Illinois in the last year that has warranted Federal disaster assistance. Constant flooding has exhausted the resources of many of the local governments affected by the most recent storms. We respectfully request that you make the necessary declaration so that the residents of these fifteen counties can receive federal disaster assistance, including Individual Assistance from Small Business disaster loans, Hazard Mitigation Assistance and the Individuals and Households program."

Today's letter was sent in support of Governor Rod Blagojevich's request for a federal disaster declaration as a result of severe flooding that began on March 17. The storm and floodwaters destroyed 39 homes and damaged more than 500 homes and 145 businesses. Further damage to roads, bridges, water control facilities and other public infrastructure have been reported although the full extent cannot be measured until the waters recede and local governments can conduct an initial assessment.

If the state's request for federal assistance is approved, communities could apply for Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance. Individual Assistance includes aid to individuals and households which can include cash grants to help with temporary housing, home repairs and replacement, and other disaster-related costs. Hazard Mitigation Assistance includes funding for measures designed to reduce future losses to public and private property. Hazard mitigation opportunities are assessed in most situations.

Additionally, small business administration loans can be provided under an "SBA disaster assistance" declaration by the SBA Administrator even if the President denies the major disaster declaration and includes three types of loans to qualified homeowners and businesses - home disaster loans to homeowners and renters, business physical disaster loans to business owners and economic injury disaster loans to small businesses and small agricultural cooperatives. A federal disaster declaration includes SBA assistance under the Individual Assistance program at FEMA.

text of letter below

April 9, 2008

The Honorable George W. Bush
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We write to support Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's request for a federal disaster declaration for fifteen counties in southern Illinois as a result of flooding beginning March 17, 2008. Governor Blagojevich declared these counties state disaster areas on March 20, 2008.

Severe storms last month produced extremely heavy rain and flooding in Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White and Williamson Counties. In some areas, rainfall totals approached the one foot level. According to preliminary damage assessments conducted from April 2-5 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the storm destroyed 39 homes and damaged more than 500 homes and 145 businesses. Flood waters have also damaged roads, bridges, water control facilities, and other public infrastructure, although the full extent cannot be measured until the waters recede and local governments can conduct an initial assessment.

This is the fourth flood event for Illinois in the last year that has warranted federal disaster assistance. Constant flooding has exhausted the resources of many of the local governments affected by the most recent storms. We respectfully request that you make the necessary declaration so that the residents of these fifteen counties can receive federal disaster assistance, including Individual Assistance from Small Business disaster loans, Hazard Mitigation Assistance and the Individuals and Households program. We thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this important request and stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator

Barack Obama
United States Senator

Jerry Costello
United States Representative

John Shimkus
United States Representative

Timothy V. Johnson
United States Representative

Source: Senator Barack Obama

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