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 to the devastation caused by these natural disasters, the President has ordered Federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the affected areas.
The declaration by President Biden makes Federal funding available to individuals in Cook County who have been affected 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 impact of future disasters and enhance the resilience of the affected areas.
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 provided by President Biden demonstrates the commitment of the government to support the affected communities in their recovery efforts. By working together, Illinois can rebuild stronger and more resilient than ever before.
How can individuals and business owners in Illinois apply for financial aid for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans, and other programs to recover from the storms and flooding?
Financial aid for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the damage caused by the storms and flooding.
In addition to providing financial assistance to individuals, the declaration also makes funding available to state and local governments for emergency work and the repair, replacement, or restoration of damaged public infrastructure. This includes assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the rebuilding of roads, bridges, and public buildings that have been affected by the storms and flooding.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will oversee the distribution of funds and coordinate with state and local officials to ensure that the necessary resources are provided to those who have been impacted by the natural disasters. FEMA will also work with community organizations and non-profit groups to provide additional support and resources to individuals and communities in need.
President Biden’s declaration of a major disaster in Illinois highlights the commitment of the federal government to provide assistance and support to communities in times of crisis. As the state works to recover and rebuild, the President and his administration will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional assistance as needed.
Individuals and business owners who have been impacted by the storms and flooding in Illinois are encouraged to apply for assistance through FEMA and other federal programs. Information on how to apply for aid can be found on the FEMA website or by calling the FEMA helpline.
As the recovery efforts begin, it is important for all levels of government and the community to work together to support those affected by the storms and flooding. Through collaboration and a collective effort, Illinois can rebuild stronger and more resilient than before.
This is such a relief for the people of Illinois. It’s great to see President Biden taking swift action to support the recovery efforts after the devastating storms and floods.
I’m glad President Biden is prioritizing the well-being of Illinois residents and providing federal assistance. It’s crucial to have strong leadership during times of crisis.