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 government’s commitment to supporting the affected communities and helping them recover from the devastating storms and flooding.
How will the federal funding provided in the declaration of a major disaster be used to support the recovery efforts of state, tribal, and local governments in Illinois
An include grants for 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 damage caused by the storms.
In addition to providing assistance to individuals, the declaration also allows for the availability of federal funding to support the recovery efforts of state, tribal, and local governments. This funding can be used for the repair and replacement of damaged public infrastructure, as well as the provision of essential services to the affected communities.
President Biden’s declaration of a major disaster in Illinois demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to aiding communities in times of crisis. By providing financial assistance and support for recovery efforts, the government aims to help affected individuals and communities rebuild and recover from the devastating storms and flooding.
The declaration of a major disaster in Illinois comes as part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to address the impacts of climate change and strengthen the nation’s resilience to extreme weather events. As the frequency and intensity of these events continue to increase, it is crucial for the government to provide the necessary support and resources to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters.
As the recovery process begins in Illinois, federal and state agencies will work together to assess the extent of the damage, distribute resources, and provide ongoing support to affected individuals and communities. The federal government will continue to collaborate with state and local partners to ensure that assistance is available where it is needed most and that the recovery efforts are efficient and effective.
President Biden’s declaration of a major disaster in Illinois is an important step towards helping the state recover from the severe storms and flooding. It not only provides financial assistance to individuals and governments, but also sends a message of support and solidarity to the affected communities. By working together, federal, state, and local governments can help Illinois rebuild and ensure that its residents are safe and resilient in the face of future natural disasters.
That’s great news! The people of Illinois really need all the support they can get during this difficult time. #UnityInDisasterRecovery