President Joseph Biden signed off on a major disaster declaration Friday, clearing the way for federal assistance to Illinois counties suffering from damage caused by a mid-July derecho.
The tornados, straight-line winds of over 100 mph and flooding caused sinkholes, washouts and flooded basement to homes across Fulton County. Canton Mayor Kent McDowell estimated damage to wastewater plant pumps at over $500,000. Aldermen in Cuba guessed more than 100 homeowners saw major flood damage in their basement.
With the announcement of the disaster declaration, home and business owners will now have access to aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. According to a FEMA news release, the scope of that assistance includes grants for temporary housing, home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property and programs for business owners to recover from the disaster.
The decision comes after a lengthy evaluation process, during which various state and federal emergency management agencies have to survey the damaged area. These surveys determine if the total value of damage clears thresholds to qualify for federal assistance to individuals.
Individuals and business looking for assistance in the highlighted areas can apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 1-800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA app.
In addition to Fulton, the declaration also includes Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will and Winnebago counties.
