For Release: Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO URGES ADDITION OF FLOOD ASSISTANCE FUNDING TO SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today joined other members of the Illinois Congressional delegation in asking House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-WI) to add funding for emergency flood assistance to the Supplemental Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2008 currently under consideration. Heavy rains over the last month and major storms in Iowa and Wisconsin have caused serious flooding that is reaching Southwestern and Southern Illinois, with damage estimates in the billions of dollars.

“This is exactly why we have emergency supplemental spending bills, to help meet the needs created by natural disasters,” said Costello. “I continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state and local officials to make sure we are as prepared as possible for this flood. I again encourage everyone to keep apprised of flood and weather forecasts and take all necessary precautions.”

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