HR1552 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1552 LRB095 22672 GRL 53080 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Record-breaking rainfall from September 12, 2008 to September 14, 2008 caused widespread property damage to homeowners and owners of commercial and industrial property throughout Illinois, including the greater Chicago area; and

WHEREAS, Current federal law requires the State of Illinois' designated coordinator of emergency support services, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), to complete a preliminary damage assessment before an application can be made to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to have affected Illinois counties declared federal disaster areas; and

WHEREAS, The declaration by FEMA that an affected area is a federal disaster area is a necessary triggering event that must take place if the individuals and businesses that have suffered flooding damage are to be eligible for federal disaster assistance; and

WHEREAS, The preliminary damage assessment has been completed by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and a letter was sent by Governor Rod Blagojevich relaying the findings of that assessment and asking the President of the United States to declare the damaged counties as federal disaster areas on September 24, 2008; and

WHEREAS, As damage repairs continue at the expense of those persons affected by loss, it becomes more difficult for potential federal aid to "make whole" those individuals who have suffered a loss; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the President of the United States to declare the affected Illinois counties as federal disaster areas; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the President of the United States.