Davis pushing for disaster assistance from FEMA

By Ryne Turke on May 2, 2016 at 7:27am

U.S. Representative Rodney Davis has requested a meeting with the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the denial of Illinois’ appeal for disaster assistance.

Morgan and Scott Counties were just a fraction of the Illinois counties that requested public assistance last year after flooding in December and January.

According to a Congressional Research Service report, FEMA generally looks for a minimum of $2.50 per capita in infrastructure damage in a county before designating it for assistance.

Davis and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate have exchanged emails on the topic over the past month.

Legislation sponsored by Davis would require FEMA to place greater weight and consideration on the severe localized impact of disasters.

The FEMA reform bill passed the House in February and is awaiting action by the Senate.