Durbin, Duckworth Lead Members Of Illinois Delegation In Urging President Biden To Grant Federal Disaster Declaration For Cook County Following Severe September Rainfall, Flash Flooding

Letter

"We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois, to help Cook County recover from storm damage that occurred in September.

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) Individual Assistance to help individuals and households in Cook County clean up and rebuild following large-scale damage. We also request federal disaster assistance through the Small Business Administration (SBA), including low-interest disaster loan access, for Cook County as well as the counties contiguous to it.

On September 17, Cook County experienced severe storms yielding heavy rainfall totaling nine inches and leading to flash flooding. This caused significant property damage, widespread power outages, and limited roadway access. 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."

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