Watseka Mayor Bob Harwood is hoping for a federal disaster declaration in Illinois, now that 11 more counties were added to the state list Tuesday.
Harwood says at least 50 people left their homes, but have all returned. Many are still dealing with flood damage. Harwood says this marks Iroquois County’s second attempt at getting federal help in six months. Last July heavy rains forced 400 people from their homes. Harwood says he feels better about the odds now, given that many in Southern Illinois had to be evacuated.
“I wish those people no ill will, and I wish them all the best because they got it a lot worse than we do," Harwood said. "But I think that with what we’re seeing down there, and our damage here – if we don’t meet FEMA’s requirements this time, there’s something wrong with the system.”
Governor Bruce Rauner visited Watseka Tuesday. 23 counties in all are now part of Illinois’ disaster declaration. The December rains impacted both the Iroquois River and Sugar Creek.