Rock Island County Board Chairman Phil Banaszek issued a disaster declaration for the county because of flash flooding from recent heavy rains.
“This disaster declaration is to be used to leverage all possible state and federal resources to assist our community in this matter,” said a statement issued on behalf of Banaszek.
Moline closed a stretch of River Drive when the Mississippi River came out of its banks Monday, June 30, 2014. Moline also issued a plea for volunteers to help with sandbagging July 1. Residents in East Moline experienced high water and flooding after storms later that same night. Power outages were scattered across the area, and at times were heavily concentrated in East Moline, Cordova and Coal Valley.
Sunset Park and Sunset Marina in Rock Island were closed to drive-through traffic July 1, 2014. Power at the marina was also being turned off, the fuel dock was closed and leaseholders could only get in on foot.
Boat docks were also closed at Schwiebert Park, and they will remain closed until flood waters recede. Crews installed flood panels at the park Tuesday, July 1.
The Great River Trail bike path was closed July 1 from the Crescent Bridge to the Moline city limits. The viaduct on 5th Avenue was also closed between 39th and 41st Streets in Rock Island.