Letter to Karen G. Mills, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration - Call to Provide Federal Relief

Letter

Dear Administrator Mills:

We write to support Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's request for a U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Declaration for the State of Illinois in LaSalle, Livingston, and Peoria Counties as a result of tornadoes that occurred on June 5, 2010. Governor Quinn has already declared these counties state disaster areas.

On June 5, 2010, severe storms with extremely high winds and tornadoes moved through north central Illinois. LaSalle, Livingston, and Peoria Counties sustained the most damage to residences and businesses. There was also damage to residences and businesses in the contiguous counties.

The Governor has certified that in each county specifically named in this request, there are at least 25 homes or 25 businesses or a combination of at least 25 homes and businesses that have sustained uninsured losses of 40 percent or more of the estimated fair replacement value or pre-disaster fair market value of the damaged property, whichever is lower. We therefore request an SBA Disaster Declaration for LaSalle, Livingston, and Peoria Counties, and we request that SBA disaster loans be offered to eligible individuals and businesses in the counties that are contiguous to these three counties.

We thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this important request and stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator