Guv Asks for FEMA Assistance in Flood Damage Assessments

Governor JB Pritzker has formally requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist with damage assessments in 30 Illinois counties devastated by extensive river flooding dating back to as early as February. The assessments, which will begin on July 29, will provide the documentation necessary to support a request for federal assistance. This joint damage assessment will include personnel from FEMA, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Officials will be reviewing damage to homes, businesses, roads, levees and other critical infrastructure items. 
 
“Local damage assessments have identified countless homes, businesses and roads that there were heavily damaged or destroyed during this historic flood,” said Pritzker. “It is clear that the road to recovery will be difficult and that the impact of this disaster will be felt for years to come. This administration will work hand-in-hand with our state and federal partners to ensure Illinois rebuilds stronger and more resilient.”
 
Joint damage assessments will take place in the following counties: LaSalle, Carroll, Whiteside, Rock Island, Mercer, Henderson, Knox, Henry, Pike, Morgan, Woodford, Calhoun, Madison, Monroe, Bureau, Hancock, Adams, Peoria, Fulton, Schuyler, Cass, Scott, Tazewell, Greene, Jersey, St. Clair, Randolph, Jackson, Union and Alexander Counties. Due to the extensive geographic region and on-going flood fight impeding key transportation thoroughfares, this process is expected to last several weeks.
 
The State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield, at the direction of Governor Pritzker, has been activated for more than 150 days in order to expedite any state assistance or resource requests from local governments as they fight to protect their communities from rising floodwaters. Additionally, a gubernatorial disaster proclamation currently covers 36 counties in Illinois, spanning the Illinois and Mississippi River region.
 
For updates on the current flood operation, visit the Ready Illinois website at www.ready.illinois.gov.