Governor Announces 5 Counties Designated for Public Assistance

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced that FEMA has approved his request to expand disaster assistance for five counties to include units of local government affected by the recent storms, tornadoes and floods that began on April 21. The counties that are eligible to apply for Public Assistance include Adams, Effingham, Fayette, Hancock and Richland. This brings the total to 38 counties eligible to apply for Public Assistance.

"I am pleased that FEMA has approved this request," Governor Ryan said. "This assistance will enable local governments to repair or replace public infrastructure and be reimbursed for eligible expenses associated with their emergency response."

Assistance was expanded for these five counties following a review of Preliminary Damage Assessments that were conducted by federal and state damage assessment teams. Under the expanded assistance, units of local government in the counties that are eligible will be able to apply for federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal, emergency response related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities such as roads, buildings and utilities. Affected local governments, state agencies and certain private non-profit organizations in the 5 counties are eligible to apply.

Procedures for requesting Public Assistance will be explained at a series of Applicant Briefings at locations to be announced by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). Notifications will be sent to local officials in the designated counties within the next week.