Letter to Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator, Small Business Administration - Illinois Disater Declaration Federal Relief

Letter

Dear Administrator Contreras-Sweet:

We write to support Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner's request for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Declaration for Christian and Iroquois Counties in Illinois as a result of a severe flash and river flooding that began on December 23, 2015, and continued through January 13, 2016.

For three weeks, Illinois experienced torrential rainfall and winter storms that caused rivers in Illinois to reach record-high levels and cause dangerous flooding across the state. Preliminary Damage Assessments have determined that both Christian and Iroquois Counties had more than 25 residences and/or businesses that sustained major damage and significant uninsured losses. The economic impact on these communities as a result of businesses being destroyed is severe and the demand for state and local government resources for emergency response and debris removal are extraordinary. The Governor seeks timely federal assistance from the SBA.

Governor Rauner has determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments. Supplementary federal assistance is necessary. We respectfully request that you issue an SBA Disaster Declaration for Christian and Iroquois Counties and that the SBA disaster loans be offered to eligible individuals and businesses in the counties that are contiguous to Christian and Iroquois Counties.

We thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this important request and stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.

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