For Release: Friday, May 23, 2008
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO AGAIN URGES PRESIDENT BUSH TO DECLARE ILLINOIS COUNTIES A FEDERAL DISASTER AREA

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today urged President Bush to expedite Governor Blagojevich’s appeal of the state of Illinois’ denied request for a federal disaster declaration for Alexander, Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Union, Williamson and seven other Illinois counties that endured heavy rains and flooding the week of March 16. Further damage assessments have been conducted since the original request was denied on April 28, and 96 additional homes were found to be damaged or destroyed.

“A federal disaster declaration will greatly assist our region, as people and local officials are still dealing with the impact of these storms,” said Costello. “The fact that conditions were so bad that these homes could not be categorized earlier speaks to the seriousness of this situation.”

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