Help Available in Midwest States Affected by Flooding, Violent Weather

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Midwest residents who suffered damage from flooding, tornados, and other recent severe weather events may qualify for help from federal and state governments in the wake of official disaster declarations.

Southern Illinois residents, businesses and farmers affected by flooding may be able to take advantage of the state’s disaster loan program.

Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford says loans are available to qualified applicants through the state’s Disaster Recovery program. The interest on loans obtained through the program is capped at 3 percent.

A news release from Rutherford’s office says loans are made through participating banks. Flood victims who expect reimbursement from insurance can take up to a year to pay off the loans. Others have up to five years.

President Barack Obama has issued a disaster declaration for six western Iowa counties damaged by tornadoes and other severe storms in April.

Republican Sen. Charles Grassley said that the declaration triggers the release of Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to help Iowa recover from the storms on April 9-10.

FEMA will provide assistance to Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Pocahontas and Sac counties. The agency will help state and local government and certain nonprofits. The money could also be used to rebuild damaged roads and bridges and cover the cost of emergency work and debris removal.

Gov. Terry Branstad asked for declaration on April 26.

In Missouri, Gov. Gov. Jay Nixon is requesting a major disaster declaration for the state from President Barack Obama, in the wake of storms, tornadoes and floods that have ravaged the state over the past three weeks.

Nixon announced the request on May 5, saying the major disaster declaration would provide assistance both to individuals and public agencies.

Several counties, mostly in eastern and southern Missouri, have seen significant damage from storms and flooding since April 19. A massive tornado damaged more than 700 homes in suburban St. Louis in April, and historic flooding has damaged hundreds of homes and thousands of acres of farmland, especially in southeast Missouri.