MARION - May 2, 2011. The Office of Governor Pat Quinn today released this statement regarding Illinois ongoing response to flooding in Southern Illinois.
"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced its decision to crevasse the Birds Point-New Madrid Levee, an important step to ensure public safety as we respond to this crisis.
Today, Governor Quinn met in Cairo with Gen. Walsh, who is leading the efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Governor continues to monitor the situation and remains in frequent contact with Gen. Walsh, as well as state and local officials working on the ground in flood-affected areas.
On Saturday, the Governor sent a letter requesting that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers complete its plan to crevasse the Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway, on behalf of thousands of people across southern Illinois, including the 3,000 citizens of Cairo.
Illinois' preparation began weeks before the crisis, and the Governor continues working to fulfill the needs of those carrying out flood-response efforts.
While visiting Cairo today, Governor Quinn announced the call up of 100 additional National Guard personnel, sending nearly 450 servicemembers to flood-affected areas in Illinois.
Additionally, the Administration today authorized nurses and other medical professionals to assist with an additional range of duties during the crisis to ensure that health and safety concerns of those affected by the flooding are being met.
More information about the state's flood response and flood safety is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov. For information regarding insurance claims related to flooding, visit the Illinois Department of Insurance website at http://insurance.illinois.gov/
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