This week’s flooding has prompted Governor Bruce Rauner to declare Vermilion, Iroquois and Kankakee counties a state disaster area. State Representative Chad Hays tells VermilionCountyFirst.com News he received word of the declaration Friday afternoon….
Representative Hays notes that both County Board Chairman Mike Marron and Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer had already declared flood emergencies….
The Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency has already started compiling a list of those home or business owners in the county who have suffered significant flood damage.
More than 5 inches of rain has fallen across Vermilion County and more is on tap through Saturday night. The forecast, however, is calling for mostly sunny skies for Sunday and Monday.
Governor Rauner had toured Watseka Thursday night and met with residents who have been evacuated from their homes. ”I am impressed with the strength of those who have been forced out of their homes and the volunteers who make sure they have essential needs,” said Governor Rauner as he issued the disaster declaration Friday afternoon. ”We must continue to stand together during times of emergency and provide continued support and assistance as these communities fight the rising floodwaters.”
To assist the efforts, the Department of Natural Resources provided two boats to support flood patrols in Watseka. Work crews from the Illinois Department of Corrections were assisting in Hardin County, and the Illinois Department of Transportation is handling the delivery of pumps, hoses and sandbags.
