Gov. Blagojevich tours Springfield to assess damage caused by last night's severe storms         

[MARCH 13, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich was meeting with Mayor Tim Davlin and state emergency management officials at the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield today to discuss the damage caused by last night's severe storms and tornados. The governor then planned to tour the area from above in a helicopter with Mayor Davlin and Illinois Emergency Management Agency personnel to further assess any destruction done.

The State Emergency Operations Center was activated last night. Staff was on duty overnight and continues to coordinate with local officials today. This morning the governor instructed state agencies to coordinate with the city of Springfield and provide help to restore power and services.

The governor, mayor and state emergency management officials held a briefing at noon on the state's response to the storm damage.

[News release from the governor's office]