President Biden Declares Major Disaster in Illinois, Provides Federal Assistance for Storm and Flood Recovery Efforts
Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. announced that a major disaster has been declared in the State of Illinois due to severe storms and flooding that occurred from June 29 to July 2, 2023. In response, the President has ordered Federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the affected areas.
The declaration makes Federal funding available to individuals in Cook County who have been impacted by the storms and flooding. This assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs aimed at helping individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Furthermore, Federal funding will be provided on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in Cook County. This will help in implementing measures to reduce the risk and impact of future disasters in the area.
To coordinate the Federal recovery operations in the affected areas, Andrew D. Friend of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed. Friend will work closely with state and local authorities to ensure a coordinated and efficient response to the disaster.
While damage assessments are still ongoing in other areas, additional counties and forms of assistance may be designated once the assessments are completed. This ensures that all affected areas receive the necessary support to recover and rebuild.
Residents and business owners who have suffered losses in the designated areas can now begin applying for assistance through various channels. They can visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362), or use the FEMA App to start the application process. Individuals using relay services, such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, can provide FEMA with the number for that service to facilitate communication.
For further information, media outlets are encouraged to contact the FEMA News Desk at (202) 646-3272 or FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.
The declaration of a major disaster in Illinois and the subsequent Federal assistance highlight the commitment of the Biden administration to support communities affected by natural disasters. By providing funding and resources, the government aims to aid in the recovery and resilience-building efforts of the affected areas.
How does the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assist state and local authorities in Illinois with the application process for federal funding to repair public infrastructure damaged by the storms and flooding?
Temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
In addition to individual assistance, the declaration also provides funding for state, tribal, and eligible local governments, as well as certain private non-profit organizations. These entities can apply for funding to help with the repair, replacement, or restoration of public infrastructure that was damaged or destroyed during the storms and flooding.
Federal funding will also be available to support hazard mitigation efforts in the affected areas. This includes projects aimed at reducing the risk and impact of future disasters, such as floodplain mapping, the construction of protective measures, and public education campaigns to increase awareness and preparedness.
To coordinate the response and recovery efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be working closely with state and local authorities in Illinois. FEMA will provide technical assistance and guidance to help in the application process for federal funding, as well as ongoing support throughout the recovery.
President Biden’s declaration of a major disaster in Illinois underscores the commitment of the federal government to support communities in times of crisis. By providing financial assistance and resources, the goal is to help residents, businesses, and governments recover and rebuild after the devastating storms and flooding.
I hope everyone affected stays safe and that help arrives quickly.
Sending thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the severe storms and flooding in Illinois. Stay strong, help is on the way!