Governor Quinn Announces $4 Million for Rockford Flood Relief, Economic Development Effort

ROCKFORD – April 9, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced more than $4 million for flood mitigation and economic development in the Rockford area’s Keith Creek floodplain. Between September 2006 and June 2008, portions of that region were devastated by severe flooding, resulting in thousands of dollars in damages and lost economic activity.

“We must work diligently to end future flood damage along the Keith Creek floodplain,” said Governor Quinn. “In addition to assisting in that vital effort, this investment will help improve the quality of life in the Rockford area.”

Between September 2006 and June 2008, portions of Rockford were devastated by severe flooding. The funding announced by Governor Quinn will help remove 36 of 112 homes severely impacted by the flooding, helping mitigate chances for flood damage in the future.

The state is providing more than $1 million through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Midwest Disaster Recovery Program. Illinois is one of several states that received funding through the federal program designed to assist with expenses related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, and restoration of infrastructure, housing and economic revitalization. The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

The $1 million grant will match approximately $3 million in federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds approved by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). This is the first grant awarded by the State of Illinois under the CDBG Midwest Disaster Recovery program.

The combined grant awards administered by IEMA and DCEO, totaling more than $4 million, are critical in launching the Keith Creek mitigation and flood control project.

“I would like to thank Governor Quinn for his willingness to work with our citizens toward a solution for the historical flooding problems Keith Creek has brought to the Churchill Park neighborhood,” said Rockford Mayor Lawrence Morrissey. “This grant is the first step in our flood mitigation program and I look forward to continuing our work with the State of Illinois as we partner in bringing a sustainable, environmentally friendly, waterway that will mitigate future flood damage to this historic neighborhood.”

Governor Quinn made the announcement at the Stockholm Inn in Rockford, and was joined by DCEO Director Warren Ribley and Rockford Mayor Morrissey.