WASHINGTON, Ill. — November 17, 2013. It’s been seven years since tornadoes ripped through Pekin, East Peoria and Washington, Illinois.
The damage was especially devastating in Washington, where three lives were lost and over 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed.
Washington Mayor Gary Manier told WMBD’s “The Greg and Dan Show”, that the city has come a long way since rebuilding began.
“The state did come through, and Gov. Quinn came through with $14.9 million that helped us rebuild our streets, curbs and gutters in the most devastated area,” Manier said.
The way surrounding communities, the state and the nation came to Washington’s aid after the storm, was almost overwhelming, Manier said.
“They brought generators, rakes and shovels, and were ready to go to work. And, the doctors and nurses were coming in by the hundreds.”
Manier said he remembered seeing 300 to 400 health care workers assembled immediately after the storm setting up a triage unit at the Washington Fire Station.
He added,”It was everything that’s good about America.”
There were three deaths related to the Washington tornado and over 1,000 of the city’s homes were severely damaged or destroyed.
The City of Washington and its residents battled for months with FEMA over funding to rebuild.
Manier said the fact that Washington was fiscally responsible prior to the tornado, helped the city greatly in its recovery.
“Washington still has money in the bank, even during this pandemic,” Manier added.
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