WASHINGTON - May 5, 2011 - Senator Chuck Grassley today said President Barack Obama has issued a major disaster declaration for Iowa, triggering the release of FEMA funds to help Iowa recover from the severe storms, tornadoes and straight-line winds that occurred on April 9-10, 2011.  Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.

"The damage caused by the storms and tornadoes warranted this designation and I'm glad the President addressed it quickly," Grassley said.  "These funds will help Iowans clean up the damage."

FEMA will provide assistance to Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Pocahontas, and Sac counties through the Public Assistance program.  The Public Assistance program assists state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

All Iowa counties are also eligible to apply for assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant program.  The Hazard Mitigation Grant program assists state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

Last week, Grassley sent a letter to Obama asking him to grant Governor Terry Branstad's request to declare Iowa a major disaster area as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes, and straight-line winds that occurred on April 9-10, 2011.

A copy of the text of Grassley's letter can be found by clicking here.

Robust State Response Supports Local Flood Efforts

SPRINGFIELD - May 4, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today urged people who have evacuated from flooded communities to heed instruction from public officials about returning to their homes. Ten communities have issued voluntary evacuation orders, while the city of Cairo called for a mandatory evacuation as river levels in the area began climbing to new record highs.

"We've seen water levels drop in some areas following the Army Corps of Engineers' action Monday evening, but we're not out of the woods yet," said Governor Quinn. "These are very difficult times for people who were forced from their homes. But it's very important that everyone follow instructions from public officials, who are working day and night to protect lives during this dangerous situation."

On Monday, Governor Quinn traveled to Cairo, where he met with local officials working to save the town of nearly 3,000 from record-breaking flood levels on the Ohio River. Governor Quinn first traveled to southern Illinois on April 28 to visit the devastated community of Olive Branch.

Governor Quinn said the state last week implemented a robust response to flooding in southern Illinois.  Hundreds of state personnel, Illinois National Guard troops and correctional inmates have been involved in efforts to bolster strained levees, assist local officials and ensure public safety.

Highlights of the state's response to date include :

Illinois Emergency Management Agency

  • Coordinating state's flood response through 24-hour operation of the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield, the Unified Area Command post in Marion, and an Incident Command post in Alexander County.
  • Providing equipment, including nearly 200 portable radios, two mobile command vehicles, two portable communications suites, a supply trailer, equipment to reinforce emergency communications and a mobile fuel tank to support Illinois National Guard operations.

Illinois National Guard

  • Nearly 450 troops have been deployed to various locations throughout southern Illinois to assist with sandbagging, levee patrol, traffic control, welfare checks and more.
  • An Illinois National Guard Chinook helicopter was used to move and position more than 2,500 sandbags on a levee in Murphysboro.

Illinois Department of Corrections

  • Working around the clock, inmates at the Tamms, DuQuoin, Dixon Springs, Hardin and Vienna facilities have already filled more than 475,000 sandbags for sandbagging operations in seven counties.
  • Inmate crews have filled thousands of sandbags in several counties since April 25. On Wednesday, nearly 100 inmates are assisting with sandbagging in three counties.
  • Inmates are washing laundry for Illinois National Guard troops deployed for flooding, while others have assisted with moving files and equipment from flood-threatened state offices in Cairo and Metropolis.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

  • Continual updates from IDNR's water resource experts on flood projections and levee conditions are critical to planning and response efforts.
  • Nearly 50 conservation officers and 25 fishery biologists with 50 boats have been deployed to perform levee patrols, welfare checks and delivery of bottled water. DNR personnel have performed more than 450 evacuations and rescues in the affected areas.
  • Teams also have transported utility workers to shut off utilities and assisted the U.S. Postal Service with mail deliveries is areas inaccessible due to floodwaters.

Illinois Department of Public Health

  • Deployed a nine-member Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team (IMERT) to handle medical needs at the American Red Cross shelters.
  • Coordinating with local health departments in southern Illinois to ensure they have an adequate supply of tetanus shots.

Central Management Services

  • Locating, procuring and ensuring delivery of needed supplies, such as sandbags, plastic, pumps, generators, drinking water, shovels and more.
  • Supported relocation of critical files and electronic equipment from state offices in Cairo and Metropolis.

Illinois Department of Transportation

  • IDOT personnel have delivered more than 2 million sandbags, along with delivery of sand, plastic, water, pumps, hoses and other needed supplies.
  • Supporting road closures and traffic control efforts in flood-impacted areas.
  • More than 8,600 staff hours and 7,900 equipment hours already have been dedicated to the flood response.

Illinois State Police

  • Conducting two flights a day to assess levees and bridges in the affected area.
  • Assisting local officials with evacuations, security and other law enforcement services.
  • Controlling access over the 60/62 bridge into Missouri

American Red Cross

  • Operating seven shelters for people displaced by the floods.  More than 200 people stayed at the shelters Tuesday night.
  • To date, more than 13,000 meals and snacks have been provided to people and responders.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

  • Monitoring public water supplies and wastewater treatment facilities in the affected area for impacts on operations.
  • Monitoring for potential hazardous materials releases.
  • Preparing for potential post-flood environmental issues.

Illinois Commerce Commission

  • Coordinating with utility companies in the affected area to maintain awareness of power outages and related issues.
  • Working with utilities on power restoration plans.

Office of the State Fire Marshal

  • Continually assessing readiness of fire departments in the affected area.

Illinois Department of Agriculture

  • Arranging for potential sheltering needs for pets of people evacuated from their homes.

Illinois Department on Aging

  • Coordinating with local Area Agencies on Aging on flood-related issues.

Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS)

  • The state's fire service mutual aid organization has deployed 17 light towers, six decontamination trailers (shower facilities), and two "tent cities" that are accommodating more than 200 Illinois National Guard troops and 60 Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) personnel in Marion.
  • Deployed trailer to support Unified Area Command.

Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS)

  • The state's law enforcement mutual aid organization is supplementing local law enforcement in several counties 64 officers.
  • Providing security at shelters as needed.

Illinois Emergency Services Management Agency (IESMA)

  • The state's emergency management mutual aid organization has provided more than 30 emergency managers to assist local emergency management agencies with planning, logistics and evacuations.

Illinois Telecommunicator Emergency Response Task Force (IL-TERT)

  • Two three-person teams are assisting with logistical communications in the Unified Area Command during this first-ever activation of the state's telecommunicator mutual aid organization.  Additional personnel are prepared to rotate into service later this week.

More information about the state's flood response and flood safety is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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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/HomeInsurance/flood.asp or call 866-445-5364."                

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The Arbor Day Foundation has a handy tree-care booklet that is designed to help people plant and care for trees. Anyone can receive the Conservation Trees booklet just by giving a $3 donation to the nonprofit tree-planting organization.

Conservation Trees is an easy-to-use booklet and features illustrations, colorful photos and easy-to-understand descriptions.

"It is important that people know the proper way to plant and care for their trees, and Conservation Trees is an ideal resource for tree planters throughout the country," said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation.

"Trees are valuable, and it is important that we take good care of existing ones and plant more. Trees clean the air, help keep our water sources pure and help us conserve energy. Trees provide so many benefits to a community, and that's why it is so vital to take good care of them."

The booklet provides details about the right way to plant and prune trees. Also included are tips on how to use shade trees and windbreaks to save on energy costs, attract songbirds, create a living snow fence, and to learn how to plant the right tree in the right place.

To receive the Conservation Trees booklet, send a $3 check along with your name and address to: Conservation Trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, or order online at www.arborday.org/conservationtrees.

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There are many reasons besides celebrating Arbor Day on April 29 to plant a tree -- trees conserve energy,
bring beauty to the yard, attract birds and help clean the air, to name just a few. Iowa State University Extension
garden experts have tips for planting trees and caring for newly planted trees. Gardeners with additional
questions can contact the experts by calling or emailing the ISU Extension horticulture hotline at 515-294-3108
or hortline@iastate.edu.

What is the proper way to plant a balled and burlapped tree?

When planting a balled and burlapped tree, dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the diameter of the
tree's rootball. The depth of the hole should be two or three inches less than the height of the rootball. Slope the
sides of the hole so the top of the hole is several inches wider than the bottom.

Grasping the tree's rootball, carefully lower the tree into the hole. The top of the rootball should be
approximately two or three inches above the surrounding soil line. Make sure the trunk is straight. Then begin
backfilling with the original soil. Do not add compost, peat or other organic materials to the soil. Gently firm
the backfill soil in the hole with your hands.

When the planting hole is one-half full, cut and remove all twine. Also, cut away and remove the burlap on the
top one-third to one-half of the rootball. If the rootball is in a wire basket, remove the top one-third to one-half
of the basket. Completely fill the remainder of the hole with soil. Place soil up to the top of the rootball and
gradually slope it down to the surrounding soil line. Thoroughly water the tree.

Poorly drained sites are difficult locations for many trees. When selecting trees for these sites, choose trees
that can tolerate poorly drained conditions. In poorly drained soils, the depth of the planting hole should be
approximately two-thirds of the height of the rootball. When placed in the hole, the top one-third of the rootball
should be above the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with soil. Place soil to the top of the rootball and gradually
slope it down to the surrounding soil line.

What is the proper way to plant a container-grown tree?

When planting a container-grown tree, dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the diameter of the
container. The depth of the hole should be two or three inches less than the height of the soil ball. Slope the
sides of the hole so the top is several inches wider than the bottom. In poorly drained soils, the depth of the hole
should be approximately two-thirds the height of the soil ball.

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YARD AND GARDEN: PLANTING A TREE

Once the hole has been prepared, carefully lay the tree on its side. Tap the sides of the container to loosen the
soil ball from the container, and then slide the tree out of its container. All containers should be removed, even
supposedly plantable containers. If the sides of the soil ball are a mass of roots, carefully shave off the outer ½
to 1 inch of the soil ball with a sharp spade or saw. Place the tree in the hole. The top of the soil ball should be
approximately 2 or 3 inches above the surrounding soil. In poorly drained sites, the top one-third of the soil ball
should stick above the surrounding soil.

Gradually fill the hole with soil. With each new addition of soil, firm it in place with your hands. Place soil to
the top of the soil ball and gradually slope it down to the surrounding soil. Once planted, water thoroughly.

Should I fertilize a newly planted tree?

It is generally not necessary to fertilize newly planted trees. Most Iowa soils can supply sufficient amounts of
nutrients during establishment. If trees are growing poorly two or three years after planting, fertilization may be
beneficial. Poorly growing trees often exhibit sparse foliage, yellow-green leaves or short annual twig growth.

Should I stake a newly planted tree?

Staking is not required for most newly planted trees. However, large trees and those planted in windy, exposed
sites may require staking. If staking is necessary, allow the trunk to move or sway for proper trunk and root
development. To prevent damage to the trunk, use strong, wide strips of canvas, rubber or other materials to
support the tree. Remove the stakes as soon as possible. In most cases, stakes should be removed after one
growing season.

How should I prune a newly planted tree?

Trees utilize sugars and other carbohydrates manufactured by the foliage for plant growth. Therefore, avoid
the temptation to severely prune newly planted trees. Severe pruning reduces the tree's ability to manufacture
food and actually slows plant growth. Newly planted trees require only corrective pruning. Remove structural
defects, such as double leaders and dead, broken or crossing branches. Retain most of the lower branches to
help stabilize the tree. The lower branches also provide food for the growing tree. Gradually remove the lower
limbs as the tree grows during the next five to 10 years.

How often should I water a newly planted tree?

The key to watering newly planted balled and burlapped and container-grown trees is to keep the plant's
rootball moist for several weeks after planting. Water newly planted trees every day for four or five days and
then gradually reduce the frequency of watering. When watering, slowly apply water to the rootball and the
surrounding soil. A thorough watering every seven to 14 days (in dry weather) should be sufficient four to five
weeks after planting. Continue this watering schedule through summer and into fall. Small trees usually require
watering for one or two growing seasons. It may be necessary to periodically water large trees for two or three

-30-

Visits State Emergency Operations Center

SPRINGFIELD - April 26, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today activated the Illinois National Guard to support flood-fighting and life safety missions in southern Illinois.  The initial activation includes up to 125 Guardsmen who are deploying to Marion to assist the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) with emergency response planning.  Additional troops may be activated if needed.

"The Illinois National Guard is a valuable asset to the state during disasters," said Governor Quinn.  "During the February snow storm, the men and women of the Guard helped save many lives and I am very grateful for their assistance during the flooding."

"The Illinois National Guard fully supports Governor Quinn's activation of our Guardsmen for flood relief," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Illinois National Guard Adjutant General. "These Guardsmen are fully trained and motivated to assist in this mission to ensure Illinois citizens are safe from harm's way. As always, we stand ready to answer the call for additional support if needed."

Governor Quinn has received frequent updates on the situation from IEMA Director Jonathon Monken and today visited the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Springfield where he was briefed on the current flood outlook and the state's assistance efforts.  Representatives from more than a dozen agencies and organizations are working in the SEOC to assure a coordinated response of state assets and personnel to communities affected by flooding.

Also attending the SEOC briefing today were state Reps. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg), Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville) and Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro).

Governor Quinn on Monday issued a disaster proclamation to ensure state resources are readily available to support local governments affected by a series of severe storms that have affected southern Illinois during the past two weeks.

State assistance provided to southern Illinois communities includes more than 210,000 sandbags, 89 rolls of plastic, two inmate crews from the Illinois Department of Corrections, several barricades and generators.  In addition, inmates at four Illinois Department of Corrections facilities filled more than 6,000 sandbags that were transported to communities by trucks from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

On Tuesday, IEMA deployed the agency's Unified Area Command vehicle to Marion, which will enable representatives from several state and local agencies to work together on a coordinated response.

Earlier this spring, IEMA pre-positioned 325,000 sandbags and 200 rolls of plastic at an IDOT facility in Carbondale to facilitate quick deployment if floods threatened.

More information about the state's flood response and flood safety is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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Nebraska City, Neb. (April 25, 2011) - Iowa's Arbor Day is nearly here, and the best way to observe the holiday is to plant trees. Arbor Day in Iowa will be celebrated on National Arbor Day, April 29.

Before you get started, you want to make sure you're planting the right tree in the right place. A tree serves many purposes. It is wise to first determine which functions are most important to you when selecting a new tree to plant.

The main functions of a tree are:

  • Shade: Trees are an excellent source for cooling because not only do they block the rays of the sun, they add water to the air through transpiration. Plant where you want the shadow during the hottest time of the year.
  • Beauty: Trees add color and can enhance your home depending on where it's planted.
  • Windbreak: These are most effective when you plant trees in a dense, step-like arrangement of both conifers and deciduous trees.
  • Boundaries: Trees can help delineate your property.

Once you determine the tree's function, you need to pick the best spot to plant it. To help ensure that you plant the right tree in the right place, there are a few things to consider:

  • Short flowering trees are ideal planted under power lines. These trees will not clash with the lines and will add color and beauty to your yard. Some examples of short flowering trees are redbuds, dogwoods and crabapples.
  • Large deciduous trees are best used to shade your home and yard. These trees should be planted on the southeast, southwest and west side of your home to provide cooling shade in the summer and won't obstruct the low winter sun. Examples of large shade trees are maples, oaks, spruce and many pine species.
  • To slow strong winter winds, many people use evergreen trees, but large deciduous trees work well, too. Windbreaks should be planted on the north side of your home, a fair distance from the nearest structure. Spruce, firs and pine trees make fine windbreaks.

Before you plant, you should also discover which trees grow best in Iowa. To do so, consult the Arbor Day Foundation's Hardiness Zone Map at www.arborday.org/treeinfo, or contact a local nursery or arborist.

Once you've determined the function of your tree and which species you'd like, you're ready to plant. You must take special care of your tree during planting time to ensure that it will grow healthy and strong.

When planting a containerized tree, there are six steps you need to take.

1. Call before you dig. Call the 811 hotline to have underground utilities located.
2. Handle your tree with care. Always lift it up by its root ball and keep its roots moist until you plant it.
3. Dig the proper hole. Dig 2 to 5 times wider than the diameter of the root ball with sloping sides.
4. Dig to the proper depth. The trunk flare of your tree should sit slightly above ground level.
5. Back fill the hole with native soil. That is, unless the soil is all clay. Tamp soil gently to fill large air spaces.
6. Mulch your new tree. Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the planting area but keep it 1-2 inches away from the trunk.

Planting instructions for bare-root trees and ball and burlap trees can be found at http://www.arborday.org/trees/tips/treePlanting.cfm.

Americans have been planting trees on Arbor Day since 1872. Nebraska City, Neb., resident, civic leader and agriculturist J. Sterling Morton urged Nebraskans to "set aside one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit." The tree-planting holiday was so popular that by 1920, more than 45 states and U.S. territories annually celebrated Arbor Day. Today, the tree-planters' holiday is observed in all 50 states and in many countries around the world.

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About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education of more than 1 million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org.
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State College, PA April 25, 2011 -- As the onslaught of drenching, and in some cases severe thunderstorms continues into Wednesday, new flooding issues will inevitably develop from the Ohio Valley to Oklahoma.

"Inches of rain have already inundated this area since Friday," stated AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Katie Storbeck.

Rainfall totals over the past three days are approaching 8 inches in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Muskogee, Okla. is near the 7-inch mark.

The ground from the Ohio Valley to Oklahoma cannot handle any more rain, but drenching thunderstorms will not stop, lasting into Wednesday.

In some cases, the thunderstorms will also turn severe with damaging winds, hail and even a tornado.

The potential exists for an additional 3 to 6 inches of rain to pour down through Wednesday with locally higher totals.

That amount of rain will only lead to more serious flooding problems.

Already-swollen streams and rivers will rise further out of their banks, inundating more neighboring land, roads and homes. Flooding will also worsen in low-lying, urban and poor-drainage areas.

"Feet of water could wash across area roadways," Storbeck reported.

Motorists should heed all road closures put in place by officials. Even if barricades are not in place, "Never attempt driving through flooded streets, as it only takes a few inches of flowing water to sweep away a vehicle," Storbeck warned.

Even where flooding is not under way, motorists will be faced with reduced visibility and a heightened risk of vehicles hydroplaning.

Fortunately, relief from the onslaught of rain will finally come Thursday and Friday.

The dry weather will give flood waters a chance to recede. The exception will be along larger rivers, where flooding problems will last longer, as runoff from smaller streams will continue to drain downstream.

The rain-free conditions will only be brief, as more thunderstorms are in the forecast for this weekend.

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist


Friday, April 22, 2011 (Moline, IL) -- Nearly surrounded by the floodwaters of the mighty Mississippi, employees of one Quad-City company are demonstrating their endurance through this Spring's floods. Doug's Heating and Air Conditioning, located at 4530 River Drive, Moline, has never had to close because of flooding in its entire 65 years of business. Doug's is now surrounded by sandbags filled and placed in mid-March by employees and the company's insurance agents. Doug's has survived three floods since 2005 alone.

Employees have worked tirelessly to elevate the merchandise they have in stock to higher ground to protect it from water that has seeped into the basement. So far, Doug's remains mostly dry inside and open for business. Dedicated employees have had to park blocks away and hike across railroad tracks and plywood bridges to get to work. But customers should see virtually no impact from the floods. "We like to think of this as an opportunity to demonstrate our dedication to serving to our customers," said Matt Hines, owner of Doug's. "We sandbag so we can keep our business open. It's required a lot of extra work, but it is the cost to have our great location."

On Friday, April 22, 2011, Doug's had two installations scheduled. The units were shipped to the customers' homes, instead of the warehouse, which has almost become an island in the midst of floodwaters along a closed River Drive.

For more information on this story, or to schedule an interview, contact Leigh Geramanis @ 309-786-5142 or e-mail leigh@medialinkinc.com.

Starting on Wednesday April 13, 3011, work will begin on the Duck Creek stream bank located near the Kimberly Road Bridge. This stream-bank restoration project will temporarily affect Duck Creek Golf Course on hole #8, and the Duck Creek Trail between Quad City Radio Group and the Kimberly Road Bridge. Work should only take a few days to complete.

The City of Davenport is committed to keeping the Duck Creek stream and trail system in top condition. This project is needed to restore parts of the stream bed bank, and should only result in a minor inconvenience for a few days. Duck Creek Trail will remain open throughout the project. The project will not effect bikers, walkers or runners using Duck Creek Trail.

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