Gov. Pat Quinn Asks Obama Administration to Declare 14 Flooded Southern Illinois Counties Disaster Areas

(Springfield, IL) — May 24 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today asked President Barack Obama to declare 14 Southern Illinois counties major disaster areas from historic flooding.

“Federal assistance is needed to help them recover from this disaster,” said Quinn. “I ask President Obama to quickly approve this request to help people begin the recovery process.”

Counties requested include Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Lawrence, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, White and Williamson.

Last week, damage assessment teams from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and affected communities found 109 homes were destroyed by severe storms and flooding; 348 suffered major damage; and more than 500 others also were damaged.

In addition, 307 businesses in the 14 counties sustained major damage, while nearly 330 additional businesses were also affected by the flooding, according to the assessments.

If Quinn’s request is approved, people in the approved counties would be eligible to apply for grants and low-interest SBA loans. In addition, affected businesses would be able to apply for low-interest SBA loans.

Representatives from IEMA and FEMA are meeting with local government officials this week to document expenses related to the flooding. That information could be used to support a request for federal assistance to help state and local governments recoup 75% of eligible flood-related expenses.