Disaster Aid Sought

U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Ill., has urged President Obama to immediately consider Gov. Pat Quinn’s request that Union, Alexander, Pulaski and six other Southern Illinois counties be declared a federal disaster area.

The counties endured a severe ice storm in late January that resulted in as much as $16 million in damages.

The federal declaration would allow local entities to recover 75 percent of their extraordinary storm-related costs.

Extensive property damage occurred in the Union County area as a result of the storm.

“A federal disaster declaration would greatly aid our recovery efforts,” Costello said in a news release.

“State and local governments have worked very hard dealing with the recovery, and federal resources will help them stay prepared for future weather emergencies.”