Governor Blagojevich Seeks Federal Reimbursement of Flood-related Costs for Local Governments in Seven Counties

CHICAGO - Local governments in seven Illinois counties hit by severe flooding in September could recoup some flood-related expenses if a state request for federal assistance is approved. Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today submitted a request to the federal government seeking assistance for local governments to help them recover 75 percent of extraordinary costs for response and recovery efforts and repair or replacement of public property.

"The communities hit by flooding last month did a great job dealing with the event and its aftermath," said Governor Blagojevich. "However, these efforts have strained their budgets, and these communities really need the federal assistance I've requested today."

A recent assessment of the flood's impact on local governments in the seven counties conducted by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) documented flood-related expenses totaling nearly $27.4 million. 

Counties included in the Governor's request for federal assistance are: Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle and Will.

On October 3, the President approved Governor Blagojevich's request for federal disaster assistance to people and businesses affected by the floods in the seven counties.