Governor Participates in Memorial Dedication Service, Announces Additional State Relief Toward Recovery Process
WASHINGTON –-(ENEWSPF)–November 17, 2014. One year after deadly tornadoes devastated several areas of Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today visited two of Illinois’ hardest-hit communities, Washington and Brookport, to visit with families and participate in the dedication of a new memorial to mark the tragedy. The Governor also announced additional state recovery assistance to aid the two communities who are still in the process of rebuilding and recovery one year later.
“One year ago we saw unimaginable destruction in central Illinois, and today we gather together to reflect on the healing process,” Governor Quinn said. “Tragedy struck Illinois last November, but we refused to give up on these towns no matter how long it took for them to get back on their feet. Rebuilding Washington and Brookport has been an amazing demonstration of what can be done when communities come together in the face of hard times. It’s important that we continue to support the local governments, businesses and families affected by this disaster until the recovery process is completed.”
The Governor’s additional investments announced today are from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and total $1.3 million between Illinois’ two hardest hit communities. The $398,283 for Washington and the $938,100 for Brookport will help local governments rebuild tornado-damaged infrastructure.
Including today’s announced funding, Washington has received $13.4 million and Brookport $2.9 million in state assistance to recover from the November 17, 2013 tornadoes. The investment is the latest in more than $19.5 million in state assistance provided to date for tornado damaged communities from the November disaster.
“Our community thanks Governor Quinn for his commitment to Washington’s recovery,” Washington Mayor Gary Manier said. “He was here immediately following the storms and has been back frequently to see how we are doing and to provide the assistance we need. We can’t say enough about what the Governor has done for our community, and we welcome him here today to help us remember what happened one year ago and to honor those we lost.”
“Governor Quinn literally saved our community from bankruptcy, because without this state assistance to help with tornado-related expenses we wouldn’t have been able to survive,” Brookport Mayor John Klaffer said. “The state relief package has made all the difference in the world. The Governor kept his word, and we welcome him back with open arms today to join us in our day of remembrance.”
The state’s multi-agency relief package for local governments included assistance from DCEO, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Finance Authority, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The local government entities that have received state assistance to recover from the storms a year ago include:
- Arcola Township, $380
- Braceville Township, $219,744
- City of Brookport, $2,971,202
- Champaign County, $44,528
- Champaign County Highway Department, $1,753
- Claypool Drainage & Levee District, $14,625
- Village of Coal City, $446,096
- Compromise Township, $394,546
- Compromise Township Road District, $17,416
- City of Danville, $43,258
- Douglas County, $1,086
- City of East Peoria, $522,179
- Village of Diamond, $433,590
- City of Fairfield, $3,281
- Village of Garrett, $750
- Village of Gifford, $750,996
- Grundy County Sheriff, $7,944
- Kerr Township, $1,700
- Massac County, $23,549
- Metamora Township, $5,581
- City of Minonk, $12,339
- Murdock Township, $425
- Newman Township Road District, $757
- City of Pekin, $100,688
- Tazewell County, $33,511
- Village of Tilton, $1,202
- Tuscola Township, $1,348
- Tuscola Township Highway Department, $780
- Vermilion County, $2,085
- City of Washington: $13,440,177
- Washington Community High School, $5,077
- Washington Park District, $15,658
- Washington Township Road District, $8,676
- Woodford County, $26,757
- Woodford County Highway Department, $6,712
TOTAL: $19,504,334
Shortly after the deadly storms on November 17, 2013, Governor Quinn surveyed the damaged areas and activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the deployment of state resources and personnel in support of local response and recovery efforts. He ordered state agencies to step in when federal disaster assistance for local governments was denied. However, the Governor was successful in getting federal disaster assistance for families and businesses in 15 Illinois counties which has topped $23.5 million.
Source: illinois.gov
