Wednesday, August 22, 2007
sponsored by Illini Bank

Gov. Blagojevich asks for federal assistance for Winnebago and Stephenson counties after flooding

Federal disaster declaration would help with recovery from losses

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[August 22, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- On Tuesday, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich asked President Bush to declare Winnebago and Stephenson counties a major disaster area as a result of flash flooding on Aug. 7 that damaged numerous homes and businesses. A federal disaster declaration would enable people in the area to apply for grants and loans to help with storm-related losses, while businesses would be eligible to apply for low-interest loans.

The governor also directed state emergency management and water resources officials to closely monitor levels in rivers and streams in northern Illinois and to work with local officials in those areas on preparedness measures if water continues to rise.

"Twice in less than a year have floods disrupted the lives of people who live in the Rock River Valley," Blagojevich said. "In fact, some people had just finished repairing the damage from last year's flood when flash flooding struck again. There's no doubt in my mind that federal disaster assistance is needed to help people recover, and I urge the president to approve my request quickly so people can start putting their lives back together."

Blagojevich's request followed damage assessments conducted last week by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. In Winnebago County, the damage assessment found that nearly 590 single or multifamily homes sustained flood damage, including 12 homes that were destroyed and another 99 homes that received major damage.

In Stephenson County, the damage assessment showed that more than 230 homes received flood damage. No homes were destroyed in the county, but 17 received major damage, with the rest receiving lesser levels of damage.

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If granted, the federal disaster declaration would make assistance available, including assistance for individuals and households, which can include cash grants to help with temporary housing, home repairs and replacement, and other disaster-related costs. The state also requested low-interest loans through the SBA, as well as hazard mitigation assistance, which could help fund projects to prevent similar flooding in the future.

Blagojevich declared Winnebago County a state disaster area on Aug. 7 and Stephenson County a disaster area on Aug. 8. The state has worked closely with officials in both counties to assess the damage and offer assistance.

The governor said officials from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Water Resources were dispatched to areas along the Fox and Des Plaines rivers in northern Illinois on Monday to survey water levels and meet with local officials on preparedness measures. While no requests for state assistance have been received at this time, Blagojevich said the state stands ready to assist affected communities, and state officials will remain in the area until the flooding threat passes.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]

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