Illinois Lawmakers Seek Disaster Declaration in 16 Counties

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Illinois’ congressional delegation has asked President Obama to add 16 Illinois counties to the list of those eligible to receive disaster aid after last month’s flooding.

The letter was sent to support a similar request by Gov. Pat Quinn. Quinn cited reports from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency of more than 800 flood-damaged homes in the 16 counties, including 14 homes that were destroyed and 202 with major damage.

The additional counties are Bureau, Crawford, Henderson, Knox, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren and Woodford.

A disaster declaration allows people and businesses to apply for federal loans and reimbursements to help pay for storm and flood damage repairs.

Obama already has declared 11 other Illinois counties as federal disaster areas.

In Missouri, Gov. Jay Nixon says federal help is being offered to residents and businesses in several eastern Missouri counties affected by severe weather in April.

Nixon’s office said the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans to residents and businesses in Jefferson County. That means assistance also will be available in neighboring Franklin, Ste. Genevieve, St. Francois, St. Louis and Washington counties.

The loans can be used for repairs and rebuilding.

The assistance covers damage from storms that brought floods, tornadoes and high winds in the affected counties over a 10-day period beginning April 16.

SBA employees will be at the De Soto Public Library to issue loan applications and answer questions.