Sen. Durbin: Illinois Congressional Delegation Urges President Trump to Support State’s Request for Federal Assistance From Flood Damage

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:

The entire Illinois Congressional Delegation sent a letter to President Donald Trump supporting Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois to help 33 counties recover from severe flooding that occurred from February to July. This year's flooding is the longest flood event to ever occur in Illinois.

"Many communities experienced power outages, road closures, and significant damage to homes and businesses. More than 1,694 homes and businesses sustained major damage as a result of this serious flooding. The economic impact on the region as a result of businesses and residences being damaged is severe," the members wrote in a letter to President Trump.

The letter was signed by the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation: U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representatives Bobby Rush (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Dan Lipinski (D-IL-03), 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), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Rodney Davis (R-IL-13), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), John Shimkus (R-IL-15), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16), Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), and Darin LaHood (R-IL-18).

Full text of the letter is available here (https://www.durbin.senate.gov/download/letter-to-president-trump-on-illinois-flooding-disaster-assistance) and below:

August 28, 2019

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois, to help 33 counties recover from severe flooding that occurred from February 24 to July 3, 2019.

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. Public Assistance (PA) is requested for: Adams, Alexander, Bureau, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Fulton, Greene, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Jackson, Jersey, Winnebago, Knox, LaSalle, Madison, Lee, Mercer, Monroe, Morgan, Peoria, Pike, Stephenson, Randolph, Rock Island, Schuyler, Scott, St. Clair, Tazewell, Union, and Whiteside counties. Individual Assistance (IA) is requested for: Adams, Alexander, Calhoun, Carroll, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Jackson, Jersey, Knox, Madison, Mercer, Monroe, Peoria, Pike, Randolph, Rock Island, Stephenson, Union, Whiteside, Winnebago, and Woodford counties. Federal support is necessary to help these counties clean up and rebuild from large-scale flood damage.

As a result of melting snow, torrential rainfall, and ongoing storms, rivers in Illinois reached record-high levels and dangerous flooding occurred across much of the State. The flooding experienced in Illinois this year became the longest flood event to ever occur in the State. Many communities experienced power outages, road closures, and significant damage to homes and businesses. More than 1,694 homes and businesses sustained major damage as a result of this serious flooding. The economic impact on the region as a result of businesses and residences being damaged is severe. The Governor seeks timely federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this important request. We stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.

Sincerely,