For Release: Friday, February 13, 2009
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO URGES PRESIDENT OBAMA TO DECLARE ILLINOIS COUNTIES A FEDERAL DISASTER AREA

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today urged President Obama to immediately consider Governor Quinn’s request that Alexander, Pulaski, Union and six other Southern Illinois counties be declared a federal disaster area. The counties endured a severe ice storm in January that resulted in as much as $16 million in damages. The federal declaration would allow local entities to recover 75% of their extraordinary storm-related costs.

“A federal disaster declaration would greatly aid our recovery efforts,” said Costello. “State and local governments have worked very hard dealing with the recovery, and federal resources will help them stay prepared for future weather emergencies.”

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