President Donald Trump is being asked to approve federal disaster assistance for Iroquois, Vermilion and Kankakee counties.
Governor Bruce Rauner is making the request to help in the recovery efforts from flooding and severe storms during February.
‘’Many people affected by this flood event face a difficult road to recovery,’’ said Rauner. ‘’Federal assistance is needed to help them repair their homes and replace personal property that was destroyed,’’ added the Governor.
Rauner noted that for many residents of Watseka it was their third significant flood event in the last three years, and the fourth in the past ten years.
A survey of the three counties in March found that nearly 1,100 residents were impacted during February’s storms and flooding. It found 157 homes sustained major damage, and one was destroyed. The survey was conducted by assessment teams from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
If the request for federal assistance is approved, citizens affected would be able to apply for grants and low-interest SBA loans. In addition, affected businesses would be able to apply for low-interest SBA loans.
