Governor Quinn Declares Carroll, Jo Daviess, Stephenson Counties State Disaster Areas

CHICAGO – August 10, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today declared Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties state disaster areas for widespread damage to homes, businesses and critical infrastructure caused by severe flash flooding on July 27.

“Flash floods throughout Northwest Illinois swept away roads, damaged bridges and inundated hundreds of homes,” Governor Quinn said. “The devastation occurred quickly but the recovery will take months. The state of Illinois has been working with local officials since the flood occurred and is committed to doing everything possible to help these communities recover.”

Governor Quinn said personnel from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) have been working closely with local officials in the three counties since the flooding occurred to coordinate any requests for state resources. IEMA is also working with local officials to gather information about damages to homes, businesses, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.

Once all of the information is received, IEMA will review it to determine if a more detailed damage assessment should be conducted with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). That damage assessment would be used to determine if federal assistance may be warranted.

More information about flood safety is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.