Friday, August 31, 2007
sponsored by Illini Bank

President declares major disaster for Illinois          Send a link to a friend

[August 31, 2007]  WASHINGTON -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Thursday that federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of Illinois to help people and communities recover from the effects of severe storms and flooding during the period of Aug. 7-8.

FEMA Administrator David Paulison said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Bush. The president's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Stephenson and Winnebago counties.

The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Federal funding also is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

Paulison named Tony Russell as the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Russell said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are complete.

The agency said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance Friday by registering online at http://www.fema.gov/, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 TTY for the hearing- and speech-impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time Monday through Sunday.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

[Text from file received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency]

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