Flooded Homes in Seven Illinois Counties to Get Aid

President Obama signed a disaster declaration on Thursday that allows Illinois homeowners most affected by last month’s storm to receive federal assistance for cleanup.

The declaration, which came about following near-record rainfalls from July 22 through July 24, now allows people who live in the seven hardest-hit Illinois counties to apply for grants and loans to help with storm-related losses.

The seven counties:

*Cook

*DuPage

*Stephenson

*Ogle

*Winnebago

*Carroll

*Jo Daviess

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn submitted the request for federal assistance to President Obama on August 16 showing evidence that nine homes were destroyed and 448 suffered major damage in the seven-county area. Thousands of others were damaged as well.

“This federal declaration is great news for the people who were impacted by last month’s flooding,” said Governor Quinn. “I appreciate President Obama’s quick action on the request I submitted just three days ago. This will help speed needed assistance to the people and businesses in these seven counties.”

To find out more information, contact the Federal Management Agency (FEMA) at (800) 621-FEMA or 3362.

You can also register online at www.disasterassistance.gov.