Governor Quinn Tours Storm Damage in Marion, Declares Three More Counties State Disaster Areas

From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn

MARION – May 12, 2009. During a tour of storm-ravaged parts of southern Illinois today, Governor Pat Quinn thanked volunteers and Ameren utility workers who are helping the area recover from Friday’s damaging storm. The Governor also declared Gallatin, Randolph and Saline counties state disaster areas, an action that ensures state resources will be available to support local governments in their storm recovery efforts. On Saturday, the Governor declared Franklin, Jackson and Williamson counties state disaster areas.

“It’s heartbreaking to see the widespread damage this storm caused to homes and businesses throughout this area, and I want to assure you that the State of Illinois will do everything within our power to help these communities get back on their feet,” said Gov. Quinn. “I’m truly inspired by the spirit of the hundreds of volunteers and utility workers who are working dawn to dusk to speed the recovery process.”

Quinn said the state has been actively assisting local emergency management officials as they deal with the storm’s aftermath since shortly after the storm, and expects that assistance will continue for weeks, possibly months, to come as communities clean up downed branches, trees and other storm-related debris.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is coordinating local requests for assistance with several state agencies that have personnel and assets that can be mobilized to help communities recover from disaster, including personnel and equipment to assist with security and other public safety issues, as well as trucks, heavy equipment and work crews to speed debris removal. IEMA staff members are also assisting affected communities with damage assessments and development of debris removal plans.

“IEMA has been working hand in hand with local emergency management officials to achieve a coordinated, effective response under these very difficult circumstances,” said Andrew Velasquez III, IEMA Director, who accompanied Gov. Quinn on the tour. “While this recovery won’t happen overnight, I’m confident everyone at the local and state level will continue working closely to help these communities.”

Other state assistance provided thus far includes:

• ISP troopers from adjoining districts have been assisting with traffic direction and security in the affected area since Friday afternoon.
• IDOT crews continue to clear branches and other debris from all state routes in the affected area.
• IDOT crews and equipment began working with Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) inmate crews on Monday to assist with debris cleanup in Carbondale, Murphysboro, Herrin and Marion.
• IDOT is preparing to deliver four truckloads of bottled water from the state stockpile in Springfield to Williamson and Jackson counties.
• Several generators were located and delivered to Carterville, Cambria, Herrin, Jackson County and Williamson County.
• IEMA helped coordinate with the Voluntary Organizations Assisting with Disasters (VOAD), a state partner during disasters, on the mobilization of chain saw teams and other volunteers to assist with cleanup efforts.