Durbin, Obama Seek Flood Aid
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Printable FormatSPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
As another potent storm system zeros in on Illinois' midsection, the state's two U.S. senators, Democrats Dick Durbin and Barack Obama, are seeking federal help for victims of last month's flooding in 15 southern Illinois counties.
Durbin and Obama want President Bush to declare the counties federal disaster areas, enabling those affected by the flooding to apply for grants and loans.
Counties covered in the request are Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White and Williamson.
According to Gov. Rod Blagojevich's office, 39 homes were destroyed, 150 sustained major damage and 374 had lesser damage. Some 145 businesses also were damaged by floodwaters.
The storm system expected to hit today could produce rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches in central and southern Illinois, with locally higher amounts, by Friday morning, the National Weather Service says. Given the still-wet conditions, significant rises of area creeks and rivers is expected.
This evening, there will be an enhanced threat for large hail and isolated tornadoes.