Governor Blagojevich announces Scott County approved for federal assistance for flooding

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the federal government approved his recent request for federal assistance to Scott County, a move that will enable local governments to receive reimbursement for many of their expenses related to flooding along the Illinois River earlier this summer. 

 

On August 27, the Governor declared Scott County a state disaster area and asked federal officials to include the county in the current federal disaster declaration for assistance to local governments. 

 

"This is great news for the people of Scott County.  With this long-awaited funding, local governments will now be able to recoup many of their flood-related expenses," said Governor Blagojevich.  "We want to do everything possible to help Scott County recover and move forward from the flooding." 

 

Under the federal disaster declaration, Scott County will be able to recoup up to 90 percent of some of their flood-fighting expenses thanks to a successful effort by Governor Blagojevich and the governors of Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana to raise the federal share of disaster assistance to local governments for flood fighting expenses from 75 percent to 90 percent.  Other eligible flood-related expenses, including clean up costs and repair of damaged public property, will be reimbursed at 75 percent. 

 

Twenty-three other Illinois counties were previously approved for federal assistance to local governments due to devastating flooding in June.