Congressman visits area impacted by historic flooding
<p class="p1">U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Illinois, has visited numerous areas in the 12th Congressional District during the historic flood of 2015-2016.</p><p class="p1">Bost reported Dec. 30 on his website that he was making stops in Southern Illinois communities which were the most prone to flooding or had already seen flooding. </p><p class="p1">The Congressman noted that the "most important thing you can do is pray for our residents, first responders and all those directly impacted by this flooding."</p><p class="p1">At the time that the news release was posted on his website, Bost was visiting Grand Tower, "one of the areas that may see some of the worst flooding, talking with residents and officials in that community.</p><p class="p1">"We've had wonderful response and communication from the Army Corps of Engineers. With me addressing questions from residents and officials in Grand Tower is Major General Michael Wehr."</p><p class="p1">Bost said he visited Alexander County, " where we talked to workers and local officials at the county highway garage in Olive Branch."</p><p class="p1">In Alton, dozens of volunteers helped place sandbags ahead of where water was expected to rise. </p><p class="p1">"Mayor Brant Walker told me flooding was expected in the basements of the downtown business district but they are preparing for the worst," Bost shared.</p><p class="p1">"We also met with officials from FEMA as we continue communication with all the federal, state and local agencies involved to work together in helping our Southern Illinoisans."</p><p class="p1">"It's been an amazing experience seeing Southern Illinoisans coming out to help their neighbors, even though many have never met," Bost stated.</p><p class="p1">"I was touched to see members of the Civic Memorial High School football team in Bethalto come to Alton to help fill sand bags. The Southern Illinois spirit is strong as we help each other," he said.</p><p class="p1">"Please continue to pray for all those impacted by this severe flooding from our residents to our local businesses and our first responders. The response of Southern Illinoisans to help their neighbors has been overwhelming."</p><p class="p2"> </p><p class="p2"> </p><p class="p2"> </p><p class="p2"> </p>