Quinn Pushes for Federal Assistance for Flood Victims

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by Wendell A. LaGrand

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn met recently with federal authorities and legislators, including U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis, and officials from Chicagos west side, regarding steps the state is taking to assess flood damage and to give a progress report on damage assessment findings

Last month heavy rainfall across northern Illinois caused widespread flooding that damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes, businesses, roads and bridges, devastating thousands of people throughout the region. On July 26, the governor issued a state disaster declaration for 12 counties, pledging the state would do everything in its power to help the affected people and their communities with response and recover efforts.

State Representatives LaShawn K Ford (D Chicago) and Andre Thapedi (D-Chicago) and a coalition of community organizations joined together to call on Governor Quinn to provide immediate assistance to flood victims.

As damage assessments continue, Quinn said, We expect these numbers to grow. More than 200 homes have been identified as damaged or destroyed in seven northern Illinois counties, Quinn said.

The governor plans to formally submit a request for federal assistance to President Obama later this week

I talked to the president. I have a tremendous amount of confidence in our president. Im sure he is going to do the right thing, however, we need people to fill out and turn in the assessment forms. Call alderman, civic organizers, your local municipal government. Dont just sit there saying I dont know what to do, Davis said.

The state called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance with the formal damage assessments. Teams from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IMEA), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and local governments also began damage assessments, Quinn said.

The governor directed the teams to continue documenting the damage, to provide strong evidence in support of the states request for federal assistance.

We will be working as a team to put ourselves into a position to get assistance, said 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr.

Additionally, Quinn stressed, People have to give us all the information they can summon. We want to try to get federal resources. We want to try to get this federal declaration, emphasizing, We have to follow procedures.

Quinn also said he hopes to have all damage assessment data filed this week.

Additional information about flood safety is available at www. Ready.Illinois.gov.

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