Rep. Robin Kelly, Members of Illinois Delegation Urge President Biden to Grant Federal Disaster Declaration for Illinois Counties Following July's Severe Storms, Tornadoes

Rep. Robin Kelly, Members of Illinois Delegation Urge President Biden to Grant Federal Disaster Declaration for Illinois Counties Following July's Severe Storms, Tornadoes

Cook and Will Counties were hit by severe storms, tornadoes and extreme rainfall that yielded flash flooding in July

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, including Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), sent a letter to President Biden urging the White House to grant Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help seven Illinois counties recover from storm damage. In July, severe storms passed through the state, with more than 40 tornadoes spinning through Central and Northern Illinois.

“We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois, to help seven Illinois counties recover from severe storm damage that occurred on July 13-16. Specifically, he requests a Major Disaster Declaration for Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties,” wrote the lawmakers.

“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. We also support his request for activation of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Programs, Hazard Mitigation programs, and all Recovery Support Function (RSFs) Programs under the National Disaster Recovery Framework to aid in recovery. Additionally, we support his request for federal disaster assistance through the Small Business Administration (SBA), including low-interest disaster loan access for these counties, and those contiguous to them,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers continued their letter, emphasizing the severity of the storms that hit the state in July.

“During the July 13-16 period, severe storms, tornadoes, and extreme rainfall caused flash flooding and heavy wind damage throughout Illinois. A derecho yielding more than 40 tornadoes also passed through Central and Northern Illinois. This severe weather resulted in significant power outages, tree damage, and roadway interruptions throughout the state. Subsequent damage has impacted homeowners, businesses, and local governments,” the lawmakers wrote. “As such, the Governor seeks timely federal assistance from FEMA and SBA.”

Led by Durbin and Duckworth, the letter was also signed by U.S. Representatives Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Darin LaHood (R-IL-16), and Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17).

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