05/11/2009 UPDATE: Second base camp; service ctr. established (VIDEO)
Today, we will add nearly 400 more workers (total close to 2,000) and build a second base camp in Carbondale to further facilitate the restoration work. On Friday, AIU established a base camp in Marion to provide a centralized location to provide meals for personnel. Because of the shortage of motel rooms, the base camp also has trailers that can sleep about 200 AIU workers.
With more than 1,600 workers, the Ameren Illinois Utilities have restored service to more than 40,000 customers in a little more than 67 hours since the inland hurricane hit Friday. Some major restorations include many homes and business, including Carrier Mills Nursing & Rehabilitation, Marion Water Plant, Ridgway Manor, Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado , Pepsi MidAmerica in Marion, Fountainview Nursing Home in Eldorado, Illinois Centre Mall in Marion , VA Hospital in Marion, Herrin Hospital, Carbondale Memorial Hospital, various gas stations and restaurants.
