For Release: Thursday, January 7, 2005
David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO URGES PRESIDENT BUSH TO DECLARE ILLINOIS COUNTIES A FEDERAL DISASTER AREA

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today sent a letter to President Bush urging him to expedite Governor Blagojevich's request that 17 counties in Illinois, including Franklin, Jackson, Union and Williamson, be declared a Federal disaster area.  The counties endured record snowfalls the week of December 19. 

"The Federal government can help ensure that these counties are prepared for storms the rest of this winter by helping to replenish their snow removal budgets," said Costello.  "We need to be concerned about future public safety and the ability of the region to deal with snow emergencies."

A Federal disaster declaration would allow affected units of government to apply for reimbursement of 75 percent of their snow removal and emergency assistance expenses during their most critical 48-hour period of the snow event.  To be eligible for snow emergency assistance, a unit of government must have incurred at least $1,000 in expenses related to the storm.

Costello letter to President Bush concerning request for disaster declaration (Requires Adobe Reader)

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