From the office of Cook COunty Commissioner Tony Peraica…
The late July flooding that ravaged much of Cook County was salt in the wounds of many individuals and employers who are already fighting to recover from the economic downturn.
Those of us in the bipartisan contingent of local elected officials who fought for the federal “disaster area” declaration were pleased when that declaration came last month. So far, upwards of $75 million in federal disaster assistance has been distributed.
Thank you to all the residents, businesses, municipalities and townships that helped distribute and gather the data collection forms which helped us in our effort to garner this federal declaration.
More than simply a proclamation from the federal government, this declaration allows residents and businesses that suffered flood damage to apply for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
As such, it is vital that those affected by the flooding are fully aware of steps they need to take to apply for assistance.
The first step is to call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or go online to www.disasterassistance.gov. You will be led through the steps to submit your application.
It is important to note that government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. You can find informational fliers with more detailed information on the type of assistance provided at www.CookCountyHomelandSecurity.org.
This federal assistance is only the first step to our recovery.
Finally, the flooding in suburban Cook County has been a problem for several decades. Thankfully, we have now assembled a multi-governmental, multi-agency experts to take a look at this issue to devise short, medium and long-term solutions. Preserving open land, particularly flood plain areas; removal of some roads, berms, dams, better management of the flood shed and drainage areas; completion of the McCook Quarry reservoir; and, notching of dams and river barriers, are just some of the ideas we must consider to prevent future flooding.
It is imperative that we have a single agency to provide one-stop management of this issue, in coordination with municipal, township and county governments. This will bring regional planning to the fore, rather than confine ourselves to the myopic, parochial approaches that have dominated this process to date.
The people and businesses of Cook County are strong, and I am confident that they will meet these challenges. Now is not the time for politics, turf battles, or bureaucratic hand-wringing.
Right now, our constituents need us seek common sense solutions that empower them to get back on their feet, open for business, and prosper for years to come.
Tony Peraica
Cook County Commissioner — 16th District
www.commissionerperaica.com/