For Release: Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS COUNTIES DECLARED FEDERAL DISASTER AREA

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) welcomed this evening’s announcement that President Obama approved Individual Disaster Assistance for 14 Southern Illinois counties, including Alexander, Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph and Williamson in the 12th Congressional District. A separate request for Public Assistance is still pending. The counties have endured serious storms and flooding, resulting in hundreds of destroyed and damaged homes. Costello pressed Obama administration officials on the need for quick approval of disaster assistance during a recent White House visit.

The federal disaster declaration makes grants and low interest Small Business Administration loans available to eligible individuals and businesses to aid in disaster recovery. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established a toll-free telephone number, 800-621-3362, for information and registration, and for those hearing and speech impaired, a TTY line is at 800-462-7585 (TTY). Registration can also be completed online at www.fema.gov.

“This is good news for our region and I will continue to work with officials at all levels of government to ensure that residents understand what resources are available,” said Costello. “Some areas in our region are still dealing with high water levels, and this assistance will help people begin and accelerate the recovery process.”

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