Illinois officials say they're working to get federal assistance

Illinois State Senator Gary Forby, D-Benton, and State Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, said Friday they're working to get federal disaster assistance funds to Southern Illinois counties affected by flooding.

In a news release, the officials said flood damage needs to be assessed before a federal disaster declaration can be issued.

"In order to request a federal disaster declaration, officials need to be able to accurately assess the damage so residents and businesses can get fully reimbursed," Forby said in a news release. "Unfortunately, some areas are still so flooded right now that they can't be assessed yet. It's a process, but we're doing everything we can to speed it up."

A disaster proclamation was issued by the governor April 25 to provide state resources for the flood fight, including help from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Department of Corrections, Illinois State Police and the Illinois National Guard.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon announced on Thursday that he had requested a federal disaster declaration for Missouri counties affected by flooding.