For Release: Thursday, March 8, 2012
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO URGES PRESIDENT OBAMA TO DECLARE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS COUNTIES A FEDERAL DISASTER AREA

WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today urged President Obama to immediately consider Governor Quinn’s request that Gallatin, Randolph, Saline, Union and Williamson counties in Southern Illinois be declared a major federal disaster area. The counties endured strong storms and tornadoes on February 29 through March 2 that resulted in seven deaths, over 70 injuries, 426 damaged homes – 104 of which were destroyed - and severe damage to businesses. The request is for Individual Assistance and Small Business Administration disaster loans in the affected counties and Hazard Mitigation Assistance for all counties statewide.

“These were devastating storms, some of the worst in Illinois in decades,” said Costello. “The recovery effort will be long, and is made more difficult by the fact that these counties are still feeling the impacts of last year’s flooding. Federal assistance will help this process and I urge the President to approve the Governor’s request as soon as possible.”

Letter to President Obama (requires Adobe Reader)

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