The White House has approved a federal disaster declaration for several Illinois counties — including two locally — for the large amount of damage they sustained during a series of storms in July that included a derecho.
Both The White House and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency say President Biden on Friday approved a federal disaster declaration for Henry and Fulton Counties in our area, as well as Cook, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties.
Federal resources are now available to help support local recovery from the storms between July 13th and 16th.
The White House says that can include assistance such as low-cost loans, temporary housing grants, home repairs, and other things associated with the storms.
“Millions of residents across the state have incurred damages from the severe weather in July due to torrential rain and flash flooding,” said Governor JB Pritzker, in a news release. “To further support affected communities, I have been working with the federal government to mobilize every available resource and bring federal programs to provide relief for our residents. I want to thank President Biden, FEMA, and IEMA-OHS for their swift coordination of this ongoing recovery.”
At least three tornadoes touched down in Henry County during the derecho, two of which were in the Kewanee area.
In Fulton County, very high wind gusts and flooding rains caused damage there.
Applications for disaster assistance are accepted through www.disasterassistance.gov online, by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA mobile app. In addition, disaster recovery centers are expected to open soon in each of the affected counties.
