Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) has dispatched personnel to Watseka to help local officials in Iroquois and Livingston counties review and document any damages from the last month’s flooding that were not included in the state’ request for federal disaster assistance.

“The State of Illinois is committed to helping flood victims get the assistance they so desperately need to put their lives back together,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has sent staff to work with local officials to ensure a thorough, complete assessment of the damage. We hope the new assessment will support a strong appeal that FEMA will approve.”

On Feb. 6, the state received notice that FEMA had denied Illinois’ request for federal assistance for individuals and businesses hard-hit by historic flooding in January. In order to appeal that decision, state and local officials must provide information about additional homes that were severely damaged or other serious hardships experienced by affected communities as a result of the flood.

On Jan. 9, Gov. Blagojevich declared Livingston and Iroquois counties state disaster areas. The Governor submitted a request for federal disaster assistance for the area to President Bush on Jan. 18.