Durbin, Duckworth Lead Illinois Delegation In Urging President Biden To Grant Federal Disaster Declaration For Central Illinois Following Severe Summer Weather

Letter

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's request forfederal assistance for the State of Illinois, to help 27 counties recover from storm damage that occurred from late June to early July.

Governor Pritzker has indicated that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and local governments. He requests Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance to aid recovery in the following counties: Adams, Calhoun, Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Greene, Hancock, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, McDonough, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Piatt, Pike, Sangamon, Scott, St. Clair, Vermilion, Warren, and Washington. He also requests federal disaster assistance through the Small Business Administration (SBA), including low-interest disaster loan access, for these counties as well as those contiguous to them.

During this period, severe storms passed through Illinois producing heavy rainfall, flash flooding, hail, tornadoes, and straight-line winds. A derecho yielding five tornadoes also passed through Central Illinois, with winds exceeding 100 miles per hour in several counties. This severe weather resulted in significant power outages and roadway interruptions due to flooding. Subsequent damage has impacted homeowners, businesses, and local governments. As such, the Governor seeks timely federal assistance from FEMA.

Thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this important request. We stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.

Source