* Oy…

Federal disaster officials for a second time denied an aid request for southern Illinois communities battered by deadly tornadoes Feb. 29, ruling Wednesday against an appeal filed by the state after the first claim was denied two weeks ago.

Gov. Pat Quinn and members of the Illinois congressional delegation said the decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency did not reflect the seriousness of the damage from tornadoes, which killed seven people in tiny Harrisburg, Ill., and damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses across a five-county area.

“That’s pretty rough,” Harrisburg Mayor Eric Gregg said Wednesday.

Revised damage estimates included in the state’s appeal seemed to meet the requirements for a presidential disaster declaration that would entitle homeowners to grants and other aid to rebuild, Gregg said. Four of the five counties seeking aid for tornado damage were designated disaster areas after floods that struck the area in April 2011.

* From FEMA…

“After a thorough review of all the information contained in your initial request and appeal, we reaffirm our original findings that the impact from this event is not of the severity and magnitude that warrants a major disaster declaration. The required response appears to be within the combined capabilities of the state and affected local governments. Therefore, I must inform you that your appeal for a major disaster declaration is denied,” states a letter appearing to be from FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate to Quinn.

* Damage…

The numbers of homes damaged or destroyed and businesses wiped out in the multi-county area of the request for aid is high. According to the Associated Press, the state in its appeal said the storms actually leveled or seriously damaged 441 homes and destroyed 128 businesses in “the poorest part of Illinois.”

*** UPDATE *** From IEMA…

The actual number included in the state’s appeal of FEMA’s denial was 440 homes that were damaged to some degree, 176 of those were severely damaged or destroyed. [Emphasis added.]

[ *** End Of Update *** ]

* IEMA…

Illinois Emergency Management Agency director Jonathon Monken says the state’s next step is to seek low-interest loans from the U. S. Small Business Administration.

Monken says while he’s disappointed, he knows FEMA has criteria and does not have an unlimited supply of funds. “Last year, there were more federally declared disasters than in any year previous to that… and we were the recipients of that twice, for a blizzard and a flood,” says Monken.

“It makes it very frustrating when you’re the one that falls below that line that’s set, because you feel like it’s an arbitrary line.”

* React from US Sen. Dick Durbin, US Sen. Mark Kirk, Congressman John Shimkus and Congressman Jerry Costello…

“A few days after the tornadoes touched down in Southern Illinois, I saw the damage first hand and there was no doubt that the residents and families would need the full spectrum of disaster aid available,” said Durbin. “The fact that the federal government has denied disaster aid – and done so with little explanation – defies logic. Hard working Americans expect that when they face these disasters, the federal government will give them a helping hand to rebuild. I am disappointed this is not the case today. I will be working with Governor Quinn and the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation over the next several days to identify opportunities to bring back federal funding for Harrisburg, Ridgway and the surrounding communities.

“We are extremely disappointed with FEMA’s decision to deny the State of Illinois’ appeal for federal assistance for the five counties affected by the deadly storms earlier this month,” said Senator Kirk. “Our office will continue to work with the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation and local and state officials to see that Gallatin, Randolph, Saline, Union, and Williamson Counties fully recover from this disaster.”

“I am extremely disappointed in this decision,” said Shimkus. “I know that the charitable donations have been coming in to help the communities affected, as I see collection boxes and fundraisers as I travel my district. We will continue to assist in every effort to help Harrisburg, Ridgway and the other areas with damaged businesses and residences.”

“I am very disappointed that the State’s appeal has been denied,” said Costello. “These communities face a very tough rebuilding process and the full complement of federal resources would have helped. We will fully pursue other types of federal assistance and we send our thanks to all the first responders and citizens that have given so much over the past three weeks to help those in need.”

* And, frankly, I’ve been hearing this sort of thing ever since Barack Obama was elected president…

“The president of the United States is from the state of Illinois,” [Democratic state Sen. Gary Forby] said. “You would think he would get on board and do something about this. When George W. Bush was president and Texas needed something, he gave them whatever the hell they wanted.”

I think the president has tried to be even-handed when it comes to his home state. But there are those who don’t appreciate that effort, and I know some who think his behavior is just downright shameful.

Thoughts?

…Adding… I’m told that last night’s “Sullivan Caucus” raised $2,000 for Harrisburg. Way to go.