For Release: Tuesday, June 2, 2009
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 Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Randolph, Saline and Williamson counties in Southern Illinois be declared a federal disaster area. The counties endured storms with torrential rains and powerful winds beginning May 8 that resulted in hundreds of destroyed and damaged homes, thousands of downed trees and a tremendous amount of debris. Debris removal efforts are still underway, and the federal declaration would allow local entities to recover 75% of their extraordinary storm-related costs. Assistance would also be available to individuals and small businesses.
“This was an extremely powerful storm, and it will take a while longer before cleanup is completed. Many localities are going beyond their budgets for this work, so a federal disaster declaration is very important,” said Costello. “I will continue to work with federal, state and local officials to facilitate our recovery efforts.”
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