Obama, Durbin, Illinois Delegation Urges President Bush to Declare Nine Illinois Counties Federal Disaster Areas
Monday, September 17, 2007
Printable FormatFederal Disaster Funds Requested in Wake of Severe Storms
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation today asked President Bush to declare nine Illinois counties federal disaster areas after severe flooding storms hit the area earlier this month. The affected counties in northeastern Illinois included: Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry, and Will.
Members who have signed on to the letter include: Representatives Judy Biggert (R-IL), Dennis Hastert (R-IL), Don Manzullo (R-IL), Peter Roskam (R-IL), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), Dan Lipinski (D-IL), Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), Danny Davis (D-IL), Melissa Bean (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL). The Illinois lawmakers made their request in a letter to the President today. In the letter, they supported Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich’s request earlier today for federal disaster assistance. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is now coordinating the state’s efforts.
“We are writing in support of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich’s request for a major disaster declaration for nine Northern Illinois counties as a result of severe storms and flooding beginning August 20 and continuing through August 31, 2007,” the Illinois members wrote. “We respectfully request that you make the necessary declaration as soon as possible so that the residents of these counties can receive federal disaster assistance to help the ongoing recovery efforts in northern Illinois.”
September 14, 2007
President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We are writing in support of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich’s request for a major disaster declaration for nine Northern Illinois counties as a result of severe storms and flooding beginning August 20 and continuing through August 31, 2007.
Homes and businesses located in the path of flood waters in Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry, and Will Counties received the most severe impacts of the storm and flooding. Governor Blagojevich already has declared these counties state disaster areas.
The damage assessment found that nearly 70 homes were destroyed in the nine-county area, including 62 in DeKalb County and six in LaSalle County. More than 160 other homes in the area received major damage, while nearly 4,800 other homes received lesser damage. In addition, 169 businesses in the area suffered damage, including six businesses that suffered major damage. The assessment teams also determined that it will cost local and state government agencies almost $23 million to respond to the flooding and severe storms. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the state’s response.
We respectfully request that you make the necessary declaration as soon as possible so that the residents of these counties can receive federal disaster assistance to help the ongoing recovery efforts in northern Illinois. Specifically, we support the Governor’s request for Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Small Business Administration disaster loans. We also support the request for Hazard Mitigation Assistance for all counties statewide. We thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this important request and stand ready to assist in any appropriate way.
Sincerely,
Senator Barack Obama
United States Senator