Governor Bruce Rauner (Tuesday) announced 11 more counties have been added to the state disaster declaration because of recent flooding. Included are Iroquois and Vermilion. The announcement brings to 23 the total number of counties that are now included in the disaster declaration.

Rauner drew applause from citizens in Watseka when he announced Iroquois County is now included in the disaster declaration.

''The impacts of this flood event have been felt in many communities across the state,'' said Governor Rauner.

''We're continuing to provide personnel and resources communities need as they battle flood waters and begin their recovery process,'' added the Governor.
The governor urged local officials to document the damages.

The state declaration makes a wide variety of state resources available that can help communities respond and recover from flooding. The resources include trucks, inmate crews, pumps and other assistance to help communities protect public health and safety.

As flood waters recede, local emergency management agencies are beginning to collect damage information from citizens and units of local government. If the initial information shows losses that may meet thresholds for a federal disaster declaration, the state could request additional assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

94.1 WGFA