Damage assessment continues in Illinois
State and federal damage assessment teams on Friday, Aug. 2, began their fifth day of what is expected to be a lengthy and extensive review of the damage and costs incurred from the Great Flood of 2019.
The devastating spring storms and record flooding affected more than 40-percent of the state’s population, outside of Cook County, in 36 counties throughout the state.
The update on review of damage in Illinois came as flooding along the Missisisppi River in the area finally came to an end over the weekend.
The National Weather Service office in Paducah reported on its website that a flood warning for the Missisisppi River at Cape Girardeau ended last Sunday afternoon.
At 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, the river’s stage at Cape Girardeau was 32.6 feet. Flood stage is 32.0 feet.
The governor’s office reported that new information submitted by county emergency managers identified additional needs for further assessments in the following counties: Stephenson, Winnebago, Jackson and Monroe.
On Thursday, Aug. 1, the State of Illinois formally requested these counties be added to the on-going Preliminary Damage Assessment.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, has agreed to this request.
Additionally, FEMA has notified the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, IEMA, of the official incident period of this historic event.
In general, damages and costs incurred between Feb. 24 and July 3, 2019 will be considered eligible for reimbursement if the requirements under the Stafford Act are met.
“Given the large geographical region we must survey, this assessment will take time,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a news release.
“Our teams are working as quickly and efficiently as possible, but we must work together to accurately show the full impact this flood has had on our residents, communities and local governments.
“This administration will work tirelessly to advocate on behalf of those impacted by this disaster.”
Last week, FEMA granted the State of Illinois an extension for submitting a request to the federal government for a major disaster declaration.
The state now has until Sept. 3 to request federal assistance.
Damage assessment teams began reviewing flood and storm-related costs with local and state governments on July 29, with plans to begin assessing the damage to homes and businesses around Aug. 12.
Joint damage assessments are scheduled to take place in the following counties:
LaSalle, Carroll, Whiteside, Rock Island, Mercer, Henderson, Knox, Henry, Pike, Morgan, Woodford, Calhoun, Madison, Monroe, Bureau, Hancock, Adams, Peoria, Fulton, Schuyler, Cass, Scott, Tazewell, Greene, Jersey, St. Clair, Randolph, Jackson, Union, Stephenson, Winnebago and Alexander.
Due to the extensive geographic region and on-going flood fight impeding key transportation thoroughfares, this process is expected to last several weeks.