Pritzker issues state Disaster Proclamation for Winnebago County flood damage

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — On Friday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker issued a Disaster Proclamation for Winnebago and other counties that suffered damage from July’s heavy flooding.

The proclamation covers affected areas of Cook County, Henry County, Fulton County, St. Clair County, Washington County, Winnebago County, and Will County from slow moving thunderstorms that produced heavy rain on July 13 through July 16.

“Many areas across the state suffered extensive damages due to last month’s torrential rain, high winds, and flooding,” said Pritzker. “To support those impacted across the state, I have signed a disaster proclamation to mobilize every available resource, accelerating the recovery process and providing relief for our residents. I want to thank IEMA-OHS for their ongoing coordination.”

With that declaration, local governments are able to access more emergency resources for the city at the state level. In addition, assistance for individuals and households could be made available, but it is not guaranteed

Nearby weather stations reported over 6″ of rainfall over a matter of hours on Saturday, July 13th, with waters rising at a rate of 1-2″ per hour, especially along Keith Creek near Charles Street.

Rockford Fire Department responded to over 120 calls on Saturday alone for various emergencies related to the heavy rain and flooding. The department had about 59 members rescuing many residents from stalled vehicles on streets all over the city’s boundaries.

A second storm brought more torrential rain to the area the following day, causing police to tell drivers to stay off the roads. Many motorists were stranded in the flood waters, which swept into nearby basements and, in some cases, caused the foundations to collapse.

Authorities said a 76-year-old man drowned Sunday night after being trapped in a pickup truck that was swept by floodwaters into Keith Creek and submerged, near the Schnucks parking lot on Charles Street.

Some Charles Street businesses along the Keith Creek corridor were hit especially hard and are now assessing the damages.

The Illinois and Federal Emergency Management Agency went door to assess storm damage.

“A disaster declaration could mean a couple of different things. It could mean a small loan to help people kind of step back up after a disaster. It could also mean a little extra funding and support to help rebuild their houses,” said Illinois Emergency Management Association public information officer Kevin Sur. “On top of that, too, there are other programs that are available to some of the different communities, as well as individuals, to help out after a disaster.”

The city of Rockford is currently in the middle of a flood-mitigation plan in the 2200 block of Charles Street that includes green space and improvements to the banks of Keith Creek.

Rockford’s Planning and Development Committee is hoping for a $1.6 million dollar state-funded grant to purchase flood-prone properties along Keith Creek.

Back in 2007, the city of Rockford was able to acquire about 120 properties in the Keith Creek Corridor as part of the Flood Hazard Mitigation Program Grant by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. They used those properties to create what is now known as the Keith Creek Greenway.

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