For Release: Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

FEMA DENIES INDIVIDUAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS COUNTIES, COSTELLO URGES APPEAL

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today expressed frustration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision to deny the state of Illinois’ application for individual disaster assistance for counties in Southern Illinois affected by a serious storm on May 8. Public assistance was approved late last week, which will help local governments. Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Randolph, Saline and Williamson counties endured torrential rains and powerful winds that resulted in hundreds of destroyed and damaged homes, thousands of downed trees and a tremendous amount of debris.

“It is hard to believe that the damage caused by these storms does not meet the required threshold for individual assistance. I have toured the area and seen the devastation first hand, and am hearing daily from individuals that need help. The review process has taken too long and this outcome is unacceptable. Governor Quinn should appeal this decision immediately and I will continue to strongly urge assistance for our region.”

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