CAIRO – Governor Bruce Rauner returned early from his year end vacationing with family "out of the country" to tour southern Illinois flood-stricken areas. He visited six different flooded locations Friday and is spending Saturday touring five areas damaged by near-historic river levels.
The governor summoned approximately 20 Soldiers from the 2-130th Infantry Battalion, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to the Illinois Army National Guard’s Marion Readiness Center early on New Year’s Day. In addition, an Illinois Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter with hoist capability was placed on standby. The helicopter and crew is part of B Co., 1-106th Aviation Battalion based out of the Illinois Army National Guard flight facility at Midway Airport in Chicago.
“Local communities continue to battle rising flood waters and the state stands ready to assist as needed,” Governor Rauner said. “Activating these Illinois National Guard Soldiers is a prudent step should they be needed at a moment’s notice by local communities as flood waters are expected to continue to rise in some areas through the weekend.”
Saturday, the governor was scheduled to visit the flood damage in Grand Tower, Olive Branch, Cairo, Carlyle Lake and Dam and the Meredosia Levee.
(Photos from Governor's Facebook page)
