No cost estimate yet for blizzard response

SPRINGFIELD — As the state continues to help with storm cleanup, officials don’t yet have an estimate for how much it has cost to push all of that snow around and rescue stranded motorists.

Illinois Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Patti Thompson said that after the response is complete, agencies such as the department of transportation and state police will total up their costs.

They haven’t had a chance to do that yet, though, Thompson said.

“We’re too busy still with the response,” she said.

Gov. Pat Quinn Thursday afternoon called off the Illinois National Guard’s mission to help stranded motorists. He had assigned more than 500 troops to the effort, and they spent several days helping Illinois State Police get to stuck drivers.

“The troops were out there in the snow and ice making sure every traveler was safe and got the assistance they needed,” Quinn said in a statement.

The department of transportation continues to clear roads, though, Thompson said.

The response has been partially coordinated from Springfield, where Quinn this week activated the State Emergency Operations Center, a high-tech facility where state officials can communicate with local agencies in an effort to keep things working smoothly.

Quinn directed state employees to return to work Thursday after most nonessential state services were shut down Wednesday.