Gov. Quinn visits local towns affected by flooding

Nine years ago Utica was dealt a tough blow with a deadly tornado.  The next day the governor at the time came to survey the damage.  Utica received another visit from a governor Sunday, this time to see the homes and businesses damaged by flooding.

While standing in a parking lot that was underwater just the day before, Governor Pat Quinn stressed how important it is for the communities to come together and help their neighbors.

Quinn along with State Senator Sue Rezin and State Representative Frank Mautino also visited Ottawa, Morris and Marseilles.

Marseilles is suffering the most damage with an estimated 250 homes affected, 1000 people, and even their grade school.

An estimated 35 homes and businesses were damaged by the river waters in Utica.  More homes and businesses were damaged by flash flooding along Clark’s Creek.

And the sewage from Spring Valley is flowing downstream because their wastewater treatment plant was overtaken by the river.

Quinn says they’ll have to keep pushing for federal money.  He says the state has allocated a lot of resources to help the people along the Illinois River and the Mississippi.