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Gov. Pritzker and IEMA Acting Director View Ohio River Flooding

Illinois' governor and acting head of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency surveyed the flooding in southernmost Illinois.

After receiving an emergency response briefing in Metropolis Tuesday, Governor J-B Pritzker said state government will be proactive in helping communities deal with natural disasters.
"You should all know that we're gonna be back whenever anything happens to this community that we can be helpful with. That's what the State of Illinois is here to do, to back you up and stand up for you."

IEMA acting director Alice Tate-Nadeau said her philosophy is never be late to help those in need.
 
"This might be the 7th or 8th time in a community that it has flooded, but for each and every individual, it's the 1st time for them. Because of that, we will always lean forward and make sure that we try to get capabilities here to you as quickly as possible."

Harrisburg State Senator Dale Fowler said the assistance will continue after the floodwaters recede.
 
"There will be resources that are gonna be needed as the days go on and we're gonna be working toward those resources for clean-up, for disinfectants, whatever it may be moving forward."

Pritzker said he is not ready to declare a state of emergency in the Metropolis area, but it could happen if the Ohio River continues to rise.

Newly elected State Representative Patrick Windhorst is from Metropolis. He said local residents always show strength when faced with a crisis.
 
"Every time we face a disaster, ice storm about 10 years ago, flooding, tornadoes, they pull together. We work together. We work together as one, neighbor helping neighbor and it really is inspiring."

Metropolis Mayor Billy McDaniel said around 50 homes have been affected by high water in his community. He said it could've been worse.
 
"After the '11 flood, the City of Metropolis, with the aid of IEMA, we actually purchased 16 to 17 homes, razed them, tore them down, made that area into a green area."
 
Cairo Mayor Tyrone Coleman said he's pleased with the state's response.
 
"When you have to delegate authorities, you wonder whether or not things are getting done. But, I've seen and I just want the people of Alexander County and the City of Cairo to know that all is well."
 
Mayor Coleman said no homes have been impacted by high water in his community so far.

 

As a news producer and news anchor on All Things Considered, Brad provides the listeners with a recap of the day's top local and state news as well as breaking news at any given time. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiunews@wsiu.org
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