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Federal disaster declaration for Illinois inadequate

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By Ed Tibbetts | Wednesday, June 25, 2008 8:13 PM CDT | () comments

U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Ill., criticized the Bush administration Wednesday for what he called an insufficient response to flooding in Illinois.

The administration declared 13 counties, including Rock Island and Mercer, as major disaster areas Tuesday.

The declaration frees up food, water and other emergency provisions. It also allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate recovery.

Hare and other Illinois officials, however, say declarations for individual and public infrastructure assistance are needed immediately and there should be no further delay.

“People are homeless. Towns are under water. Entire communities are waiting for the federal help they expect and deserve in the richest country in the world,” Hare said Wednesday.

He called it “inexplicable” that President Bush hasn’t made an “adequate” disaster declaration.

Patti Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, said Tuesday’s declaration won’t help people who need loans or temporary housing. “It really doesn’t mean anything,” she told the Associated Press.

The holdup appears to be preliminary damage assessments, which must be done before individual and public declarations are issued. “Some of the areas are still inundated with floodwaters,” said Sandy Jasmund, a FEMA spokeswoman.

Members of Illinois’ congressional delegation met with FEMA Administrator David Paulison on Wednesday. And Tom O’Donnell, Hare’s chief of staff, said he “seemed willing to move quickly.”

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich requested the direct federal assistance on June 13 and expedited assistance for individuals and public agencies on June 20.

In a joint statement Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Barack Obama said Tuesday’s declaration is a “necessary first step,” but that they would continue to try to expedite a full disaster declaration.

Ed Tibbetts can be contacted at (563) 383-2327 or etibbetts@qctimes.com.