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* 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.]
* 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.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:10 am
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Weren’t FEMA disaster funds used to demolish the Dixie Mall in Harvey?
Comment by Emanuel Collective Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:14 am
Obama has become one of “them” and is unfortunately out of touch with reality. He also takes Illinois for granted in the 2012 election.
Comment by Cassiopeia Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:21 am
Now with a second denial, Obama can’t clout it.
Hard to believe there could not have been some discrete hallway discussions between the Administration and the Illinois delegation after the first denial. It was a good cause, after all.
Where’s The Chicago Way when you really need it?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:23 am
==The required response appears to be within the . . . capabilities of the state . . . government[].==
There’s the key to the FEMA analysis, and its major flaw.
Comment by anonymice Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:28 am
Good one Senator. Note to Mark Minor: You need to start writing this stuff down.
Comment by Way Way Down Here Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:30 am
If a tornado had struck Chicago the federal response would have been quick. We just don’t have the votes in the south to matter. The president lost in the south when he ran and now the south slapped for their lack of support.
Comment by Nieva Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:32 am
- Emanuel Collective - Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:14 am:
Weren’t FEMA disaster funds used to demolish the Dixie Mall in Harvey?
Yes, the State used funds from the 2008 IKE disaster to tear down the mall. Apparently the hurricane flood rains did more damage than the Blues Brothers chase scene.
Comment by BW Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:36 am
FEMA funds were not used to demolish the Dixie Mall. The funds came through DCEO.
Comment by music fan Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:45 am
is there any taxpayer dollar that illinois politicians don’t covert???
Comment by bored now Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:54 am
As I mentioned earlier, FEMA tallies up the damages and then factors in the population of the state.
High population states like Illinois have to sustain much larger damages to get their disaster declarations. Move Harrisburg to Indiana, Kentucky or Missouri, the federal standard is met. I’m not sure how much benefit Harrisburg can get the Illinois population centers though.
Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:55 am
This ruling is absurd. FEMA apparently has changed the rules. It would be interesting to check on applications from other States affected by tornados this Spring.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:56 am
Believe it or not, Harrisburg might have had a better chance of getting aid if there had been a Waffle House restaurant in the area that had been destroyed or forced to close for an extended period of time:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904716604576542460736605364.html
You read that right: the head of FEMA himself uses the condition of Waffle House restaurants (known for staying open come hell or high water) as an informal gauge of how badly an area needs aid. Perhaps FEMA doesn’t know how to evalulate damage when there isn’t a Waffle House in the area?
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 11:59 am
It didn’t happen in Obama’s home state. Chicago was untouched.
Comment by Burning Down da House Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 12:05 pm
O does not need Southern IL votes. I don’t think he can fathom that people who do not live in inner cities in America can be poor too.
Good on our delegation to continue to fight for the people. (Did you also see Durbin’s recent involvement in the E STL crime and bars scene?)
Comment by Southern Peggy R Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 12:09 pm
This makes Quinn look even more politically impotent.
Comment by Esteban Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 12:16 pm
Sans potency
Comment by Cool Bobby J Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 12:24 pm
Not to support a poor rule, but it is a good idea to follow your guidelines (if you are FEMA) If you make it discretionary it would open up a whole raft of new problems.
Now what should be done is to rework the formula to weigh local resources (or lack thereof) more highly than they are now.
Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 12:30 pm
Get real IL. We have two states. If 441 homes and 128 business in chicago had been destroyed, Obama would have had Marines on the ground in 24 hours. This is Coal country and Obama has made it very clear he does not care about the people in this area of the world. At least you have to give him props for being consistent when it comes to Southern IL and support for our Coal Communities.
Comment by the Patriot Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 12:38 pm
“Believe it or not, Harrisburg might have had a better chance of getting aid if there had been a Waffle House restaurant in the area that had been destroyed or forced to close for an extended period of time:”
well heck it blew the roof off of Wok and Roll
Comment by way south of chicago Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 12:49 pm
Just a couple points of interest: Dick Durbin should have known better than to tell the residents of Harrisburg that a declaration is forthcoming. I realize his emotions may have led him to say that, but that’s a tough promise to fulfill when you don’t control the outcome. It would be like me saying, “CapFax readers, Rich is going to blog all day long on Saturday.”
Second, when it comes to politics and disaster declarations, its interesting what you find out. There may be a linkage, but probably not as big as you think. Bush vs Clinton is a great comparison. In Texas, Clinton declared the State 11 times, Bush 13. But when it came to Arkansas, Bush declared the State 12 times, and Clinton only 6.
As for Illinois, Obama has already declared us 5 times and his 1st term is not even over. This outpaces Clinton’s 9, and falls just under Bush’s 11 if the pace continues. Use this link to see for yourself… http://www.peripresdecusa.org/mainframe.htm
I hope Obama doesn’t have to declare Illinois in the future. Declarations come with Disasters, or is it the other way around.
My best to the good people of Southern Illinois.
Comment by Stuck On The Corner Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 1:07 pm
If the same storm that hit Harrisburg hit Chicago instead, the devastation would have been enormous because of population density, not politics.
This isn’t some attempt to punish or ignore Southern Illinois. This is unfortunate and wrong, but please stop crying about Obama not caring about Harrisburg. It used to be communities like Harrisburg came together after a disaster and pitched in to rebuild. When did these proud people decide to complain instead?
Illinois is going to have to come up with its own plan. Let’s get past the finger pointing and on to rebuilding.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 1:56 pm
The Waterloo School District No5 (metro-St. Louis) students/staff raised $6,074.66 for Harrisburg schools…headed by Wellness Coordinator, Kelly Lerch. Kudos!!
Comment by southof80 Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 1:59 pm
First - good job Waterloo No 5! That’s a very good number, and every bit helps.
Second - Really, people? Really? Did a majority of Joplin, MO vote for Obama in 2008? Or for that matter, the majority of voters of any state other than Illinois that has required federal disaster funds from this administration? Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee? Maybe Indiana, but that is hardly an Obama stronghold.
I don’t have any on hand right now, but perhaps someone else could get out their tinfoil and bring up the 2000 Louisiana vote totals for George W. Bush, Hurricane Katrina, and the drowning of New Orleans?
Comment by Lester Holt's Mustache Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 2:08 pm
47th Ward you are clueless, the people of southern Illinois have responded in a huge way to help each other. The people doing the complaining are the politicians - Durbin, Costello, Shimkus, and the mayor of Harrisburg, and that is what they should be doing. Most residents of the affected region aren’t sitting around complaining about FEMA, they are cleaning up and getting back on their feet.
Comment by Stooges Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 2:26 pm
FEMA funding standards is certainly up for debate, but I think its unfair to blame Obama for this. If Obama would step in and “order” funding which he probably can’t legally do then everyone would accuse him of playing politics and showing favortism to Illinois… if Obama doesn’t “order” funding everyone accuses him of making the political calculation that he doesn’t “need” Illinois. The funding criteria is set — if they the criteria needs to be changes, fine, let’s change it, but to blame Obama’s administration for following the rules is ridiculous and unfair.
Comment by Just Observing Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 3:03 pm
I’m guessing the home owners were responsible and purhased homeowner’s insurance. FEMA’s job is to help people that are not responsible.
Comment by Hickory Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 3:24 pm
Funny how everybody wants the system to be corrupt when it suits their interests. If a disaster does not meet the criteria, using political muscle to change those criteria as bad as selling a senate seat.
Comment by wishbone Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 3:37 pm
Stooges, I was referring to the commenters here who’ve suggested Obama made this decision to spite Southern Illinois. I was not referring to the people of Harrisburg and Ridgeway and the other outstanding citizens who’ve stepped up to pitch in.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 3:50 pm
““The fact that the federal government has denied disaster aid – and done so with little explanation – defies logic”
Senator Durbin: will you be doing anything with you senior position in the US Senate to correct this illogical decision, and to make sure illogical decisions like this don’t happen again? Are you going to let the federal government run amuck?
Or are you just posturing here?
Comment by Just Posturing, I Assume Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 4:04 pm
I believe the bottom line is that FEMA is out of money and their denial is just a diversion from the real facts. Secondly, IMHO, if we can spend $555B (that’s BILLION folks) on the war in Afghanstan, then we can come up with the money to help Harrisburg. Helping ourselves would give better results.
Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 4:33 pm
Has Illinois got trailers sitting in some parking lot?
Comment by Cal Skinner Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 4:34 pm
If the area has been turned down, doesn’t that mean the stuff that was destroyed was also insured? I’d prefer State Farm, et al pay insurance claims than for the money to come from FEMA if it doesn’t have to come from FEMA.
Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 5:00 pm
Got to change the FEMA Disaster analysis criteria. Tornado damage is notoriously difficult to get federal disaster assistance on, particularly if there is a high degree of property owner liability insurance coverage. Whereas if it’s flooding/hurricane damages, there’s normally a much lower level of property owner liability insurance coverage, so a better chance of FEMA disaster assistance.
Btwm Indiana does a far superior job at getting FEMA disaster assistance in these types of situations, partially due to the fact that the State of Indiana and their local governments have placed a much higher degree of effort on getting the initial damage assessment work done correctly and reported properly. They don’t do the sloppy, haphazard type of Damage Assessment work that tends to happen here in Illinois.
Since Sen. Durbin’s been the big mouth on this one, he needs to get busy, roll up his sleeves, and change the freaking FEMA guidelines/rules.
FEMA is just playing by the rules. And the coastal states have done a far superior job at crafting the rules and procedures to their advantage over the needs of ‘interior states’ like Illinois.
Comment by Judgment Day Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 5:44 pm
Interesting to note that Harrisburg Mayor Eric Gregg was hospitalized in Harrisburg Medical Center and then subsequently transferred to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana with a perforated colon…..on the day of FEMA’s re-denial. Not sure if that’s a stress-induced condition or not, but there is no doubt that FEMA’s verdict has not added any relief to the Mayor’s burdens.
Comment by JoeVerdeal Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 7:02 pm
Wishbone @ 3:37 pm - great observation!
Comment by Roadiepig Thursday, Mar 22, 12 @ 8:12 pm
Judgement Day - I’m afraid you have it backward. Indiana is known for doing sloppy damage assesments. Illinois does good detailed ones.
Comment by music fan Friday, Mar 23, 12 @ 10:01 am