Gov. Blagojevich asks President Bush for federal disaster declaration for severe flooding in 15 southern Illinois counties

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today asked President Bush to declare 15 southern Illinois counties major disaster areas as a result of flooding that devastated areas of those counties in March, damaging hundreds of homes and businesses.  If approved, a federal disaster declaration would enable people and businesses affected by the floods to apply for grants and loans to help with flood losses.

 

Counties included in the request are Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White and Williamson.

 

"From our damage assessments, it's clear that federal assistance is needed to help the people of southern Illinois recover from this devastating flood," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "Today I'm urging the President and FEMA to quickly approve my request for a federal disaster declaration so we can get these people the help they need."  

 

Gov. Blagojevich's request followed damage assessments conducted last week by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).  The agencies documented damage to homes and businesses throughout the affected area, including 39 homes that were destroyed, 150 homes that received major damage and 374 homes that sustained lesser damage.  In addition, 145 businesses were damaged by flood waters.

 

If granted, the federal disaster declaration would make assistance available, including:

 

 

 

Gov. Blagojevich declared 19 southern Illinois counties disaster areas on March 20.  The state continues to work closely with officials in the affected counties to ensure they receive any assistance needed during recovery efforts. 

 

 

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