U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) is continuing his efforts to monitor flood damage in the 13th Congressional District following the addition of several more counties to the state disaster declaration made by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner.
A total of 23 counties in Illinois have now received the state disaster declaration, including Calhoun, Christian, Jersey, Madison, and Sangamon in Davis’ district.
“Hearing about the lives lost and seeing the homes and businesses damaged over the holidays was heartbreaking,” Davis said. “I want to commend our first responders and volunteers for their tremendous work to keep us safe. As flood waters recede and damages are assessed in the coming days and weeks, local and state officials will determine if federal assistance is needed. If the state requests federal assistance, I will do everything I can to urge FEMA to give greater consideration to the localized impact of flooding on our small communities when determining the need for assistance.”
Rauner reiterated the state’s commitment on Tuesday to aiding the recovery effort for local communities following severe flooding throughout the state. According to Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director James K. Joseph, several weeks will be needed to assess each county’s damage as many are still dealing with high waters.
“The impacts of this flood event have been felt in many communities across the state,” Rauner said. “We’re continuing to provide personnel and resources communities need as they battle flood waters and begin their recovery process.”
Davis has been a longtime proponent for greater consideration of the localized impact of disasters when the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) determines the need for federal assistance. Such provisions are provided for in a FEMA reauthorization bill that passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee last year but awaits passage by both chambers of Congress.