Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson today was joined by the state’s two U.S. Senators in appealing to President Bush to declare Iroquois and Livingston counties federal disaster areas to qualify them for federal aid in the wake of the Jan. 7 and 8 flood.

     The letter below was sent to President Bush by U.S. Senators Barack Obama, Dick Durbin and Johnson. Additionally, as the district representative, Rep. Johnson sent an individual appeal to FEMA’s Region V director and President Bush underscoring the need for help. That letter is attached.

     In the past week the Illinois Emergency Management Agency has reported more than 1000 homes have been impacted, with 237 homes classified as sustaining major damage.  With such significant damage, state and local governments do not have the resources required for recovery.  Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has already declared a state disaster for these counties.

     “The numbers speak for themselves,” Rep. Johnson said. “Six weeks after the flood, people remain homeless, their homes uninhabitable and beyond their ability to repair. Phone service has not been completely restored. Students have not returned to school. Businesses have not reopened. Local officials and first-responders have been stretched to the limits of endurance, not to mention patience with the federal government they have looked to for help. The need is beyond compelling; it is imperative.”

The text of the letter from Rep. Johnson and Sens. Durbin and Obama:

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of the appeal dated February 21, 2008, from Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich asking that two counties in the state be declared federal disaster areas based on recent severe flooding that affected the area.  Governor Rod Blagojevich has already declared a state disaster for these counties.

The areas that experienced this flooding were Iroquois and Livingston counties located in Central and East Central Illinois.  In the past week, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency has been on the ground reassessing the damage that was caused by the floods. They are reporting more than 1000 homes have been impacted with 237 homes classified as sustaining major damage.  These updated reports significantly increase the numbers in the initial assessment.  Furthermore, multiple businesses have been affected by these floods and some are still closed a month after the flooding.

The state and local governments do not have the resources to be able to attend to the substantial damage that affected both public and private property.  Consequently, it is important that federal assistance be made available as soon as possible to help with the ongoing recovery effort in Iroquois and Livingston Counties.

Mr. President, we respectfully request that you make the necessary declaration so that the State of Illinois and the affected counties can receive federal disaster assistance.  We thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this important appeal and stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama 
U.S. Senator   

Richard Durbin
U.S. Senator   

Timothy V. Johnson 
U.S. Representative

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