UPDATED 11:27 A.M.
PEORIA, Ill. – What does it mean when Peoria Mayor Rita Ali issued an Emergency Declaration for the city during this winter storm?
“It allows us to get reimbursement from FEMA,” said Ali. “There are a lot of costs associated with a massive storm like this. An Emergency Declaration allows us reimbursement.”
Ali, on WMBD’s “The Greg and Dan Show,” says she believes the city-wide parking ban was an inconvenience for residents, but she believes it was a success.
“Ultimately, it was the best thing to do to be able to get the road clean from curb to curb,” said Ali.
Ali says she doesn’t get any special treatment either when it comes to her residential street getting snow plowing. So, she says she understands residents feeling frustrated by whatever work has or hasn’t been done.
“It takes time,” said Ali. “We’re encouraging people to just be patient, be cautious while you’re out there if you go out there. If you don’t have to go out today, we’re encouraging you to stay in.”
The city-wide parking ban now remains in effect until 8am Friday. After private contractors had been doing it up to now, Ali says Peoria’s “Snow Fighters” will go into residential streets Thursday.
